Latest update January 13th, 2025 3:10 AM
Feb 20, 2013 News
– shipment concealed in lumber destined for Europe
Agents of the country’s main anti -drug unit yesterday unearthed a massive quantity of cocaine which was stashed in hollowed out lumber destined for Europe. As a result of the bust, several suspects have been detained to assist with investigations, Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, told reporters yesterday.
Kaieteur News was told that approximately 314 kilograms (692 pounds) of the illegal drug were extracted from ‘lumber boxes’ at a sawmill located at the Soesdyke/Linden Highway junction. Among those detained is a European national said to hold a senior position in the establishment.
This publication was further informed that the drug shipment was headed for The Netherlands (Holland) – being shipped by Guyana Timber Products Inc. Reports are that various state agencies were involved in the probe which was allegedly initiated by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).
According to information, the forestry agency had suspicions about the company’s lumber shipments after it repeatedly failed to adhere to policies.
The drugs were found in a container which was said to have been cleared and was due for shipment. The GFC reportedly insisted that a complete check be done of the containers in the presence of Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and CANU agents. Sources said that the timber company had experienced ups and downs with GFC after the latter had cited insolence on the part of the company in relation to adherence to rules and regulations. As a result some of the company’s shipments were denied at certain intervals.
At least seven containers were said to be of interest to investigators, but by nightfall yesterday, only one had been searched. The drug container was taken back to the sawmill’s compound where it was re-opened and the lumber stripped to reveal a hollow inside neatly packed with sealed packages of the illicit substance.
Kaieteur News was further told that earlier this month, the lumber yard had reportedly been closed by GFC with some of the workers being laid off. This was as a result of the company’s conduct.
The street value of the cocaine is said to be millions of US dollars.
Jan 13, 2025
Kaieteur Sports – The prestigious Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) situated at Bush Lot Farm Corentyne Berbice has released its racing dates for the year 2025. The club which is one of the...Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Social media has undoubtedly changed how we share and receive information. It has made... more
Sir Ronald Sanders (Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS) By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News–... more
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]