Latest update January 14th, 2025 3:35 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Guyanese vessel detained in Jamaica with narcotics

Feb 01, 2009 News

A Guyanese vessel has been detained in Jamaica with a quantity of narcotics. The MV Northele departed Guyana’s shores from the John Fernandes wharf on Sunday last, and was detained in Jamaica on Tuesday with a quantity of narcotics worth some J’ca $62M.

The captain and four crew members were detained, but were subsequently released as investigations continue.

Security has since been beefed up at the facility, with a greater police presence, following a request from the management. Everything is checked, and people are being searched as they enter the wharf area.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture is expressing its concern about the recent reports about agricultural produce, agro-processed products, fisheries and forestry products being used to conceal illicit and illegal drugs, when these products are being exported from Guyana.

The ministry, in a release, stated that it has been working with the law enforcement agencies and will be refusing to issue licences to persons or companies suspected of being involved or convicted of dealing with illegal drugs.

“Using agricultural produce and products to conceal illegal drugs severely tarnishes Guyana’s image as it positions itself to be a major supplier of agricultural produce and products.”
The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) also advised that all forest produce to be exported must be graded independently, and then verified by the GFC.

Additionally, the GFC and the Customs and Trade Administration (CTA) have an arrangement which specifies that the GFC is informed prior to the loading of forest produce into containers, or on to vessels for export.
This allows the GFC to confirm that the produce being shipped is exactly what was inspected and approved for export.

Recently, some Nibbi furniture was exported from Guyana. US law enforcement agencies intercepted this export cargo and discovered that a quantity of cocaine was hidden in the furniture.
A review of the GFC export database indicated that the GFC had no records of any such shipment being inspected and verified, in accordance with standard procedures.

Further, the GFC was not informed prior to loading of this produce into the container and vessel, in keeping with the agreed practice.

The GFC has provided the CTA with this information, and is working with the CTA, Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and other relevant agencies to improve the necessary security measures, to prevent any such recurrences, which only tarnish the name of Guyana and legitimate exporters of forest produce.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 10th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Pakistan targets West Indies’ vulnerability with spin-heavy squad for Test series

Pakistan targets West Indies’ vulnerability with spin-heavy squad...

Jan 14, 2025

SportsMax – Pakistan has unveiled a spin-dominant squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against West Indies, aiming to exploit the visitors’ well-documented struggles against spin...
Read More
West Indies U-19 Women defeat Nepal by nine runs in first ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Warm-up match

West Indies U-19 Women defeat Nepal by nine runs...

Jan 14, 2025

Sir Clive Lloyd to Lead Operations at proposed Cricket Academy

Sir Clive Lloyd to Lead Operations at proposed...

Jan 14, 2025

Savory, Anderson batting form a good sign for Harpy Eagles, following first practice match 

Savory, Anderson batting form a good sign for...

Jan 14, 2025

GFF/Racing Madrid partnership brings new head coach and two technical experts to Junior Jaguars U17 team

GFF/Racing Madrid partnership brings new head...

Jan 14, 2025

Chatargum, Persaud headline Senior National Indoor Barebow Archery Championships 

Chatargum, Persaud headline Senior National...

Jan 14, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]