Marijuana cultivation resumes in Berbice River

Jun 21, 2010 News

Two months after police raids…

– Commander vows to keep up the pressure

Marijuana planters up the Berbice River are showing that nothing will deter them from their illegal activities and have already begun re-cultivation of several acres of land despite the upping of police operations in the area.
Two months ago the police raided and destroyed several ganja farms in the Gateroy area some 65 miles up the Berbice River.
Several boats fitted with outboard engines were seized in what was described then as a major blow to marijuana cultivation.
However, when police revisited the area last week they were shocked to discover that some of the fields they had destroyed, were already back under cultivation.
“Some were prepared again. We found seven nurseries with each having about 25,000 seedlings. We also found that a new field of several acres was already prepared inland with plants ranging from one to six feet in height,” Divisional Commander Steve Merai told this newspaper.
These were all destroyed during last week’s operation.
“The difference is that the old fields that we destroyed before have been re-prepared. It shows the determination of some of the planters,” the Commander said.
He believes that some of those cultivating marijuana in the area are still inclined to do so, while the others have been “lying low” as a result of the increased police activity in the area.
This might be so since in most of the previous raids, the police stumbled on only the fields and were unable to apprehend those responsible.
Also during last week’s return to the area, the police stopped and searched a number of vessels plying the river but nothing substantial was found.
Assistant Commissioner Merai assured that the police will be maintaining the pressure with the aim of deterring persons from engaging in the illegal activity.