Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
DEA helping Guyana probe discovery of narco sub – President
The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will be working with local officials to investigate the
The camp site in Waini, Region One, where authorities believe was being used to build the semi-submersible vessel.
discovery of a semi-submersible vessel this week in the dense jungle of the hinterland, with President Donald Ramotar yesterday indicating it was likely to be used in the drug smuggling trade.
According to the President, the Self Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) was more than likely built at the camp site in Waini River, North West District, Region One.
The vessel and camp site have been secured with investigators, including experts from outside the country.
The Head of State, during a press conference at the Office of the President yesterday afternoon, hinted that the discovery of the camp and vessel may have been because of information that filtered to local enforcement agencies from external agencies.
According to Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), based on intelligence from an ongoing investigation, a number of its officials along with Guyana Defence Force Special Forces, Coast Guard and Air Corps, conducted an operation along the Waini River in the North West District.
During a search of one of the creeks branching off from the Waini, a blue vessel, later identified as a SPSS, was discovered about two miles in, along with a camp consisting of three structures – including accommodation, workshop area and generator.
The accommodation area had the capacity to house approximately 12 persons. There was also a kitchen located within the accommodation. The workshop consisted of pulleys, power tools, paint, and several fiber glass materials. Based on the items present, it is evident that this area was used to build the SPSS found in the creek, CANU said.
The vessel was already fitted with a diesel engine and steering wheel, navigation and other machinery to deem it serviceable. There was no contraband on board the SPSS, CANU said.
“Investigations are ongoing along with discussions with foreign counterparts as it
The semi-submersible vessel that was discovered by law enforcement officials in the Waini area, Region One this week.
relates to information sharing and assistance.”
The discovery of the vessel would strengthen what has been known all along…that Guyana is a trans-shipment point for cocaine and other illegal substances.
It would also point to how well organized the drug network is.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Bureaucracy gone bananas!
…Peeping Tom kaieteur News- Every morning, the government wakes up, stretches its arms, and spends one billion dollars... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
