Latest update December 9th, 2024 2:00 AM

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

Latest News

CANU makes massive coke bust at Soesdyke sawmill

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.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

WI go 1-0 up as Hope and Rutherford boss 295 chase

WI go 1-0 up as Hope and Rutherford boss 295 chase

Dec 09, 2024

Bangladesh Tour of the West Indies 2024… (ESPN Cricinfo) – Sherfane Rutherford’s maiden ODI century helped West Indies break their 11-match losing streak against Bangladesh with a...
Read More
Australia to play three Tests during 2025 tour of West Indies

Australia to play three Tests during 2025 tour of...

Dec 09, 2024

Terrence Ali National Open Championship commences December 13

Terrence Ali National Open Championship commences...

Dec 09, 2024

GCB clarifies Dec. 6 proposed CWI members meeting

GCB clarifies Dec. 6 proposed CWI members meeting

Dec 09, 2024

Dottin, Knight, Rana among big attractions at WPL 2025 auction

Dottin, Knight, Rana among big attractions at WPL...

Dec 09, 2024

Windies coach Sammy eyes clean, all-round performances in ODI series against Bangladesh

Windies coach Sammy eyes clean, all-round...

Dec 08, 2024

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 […]