In an eradication exercise conducted between 04:00 hrs and 11:00 hrs today, law enforcement officers unearthed a significant cannabis cultivation site at Bartica, Upper Berbice River. The operation led to the discovery of approximately thirty-five thousand (35,000) cannabis plants.
In addition to the cannabis plantation, two makeshift camps were found, one of which contained a drying area with dry cannabis plants weighing approximately 200 lbs and 40 lbs of cannabis seeds. During a search of the area, officers found a twelve-gauge shotgun semi-automatic with serial number #11KZR17388, along with one 12 gauge cartridge.
Prompt action was taken, with the destruction of the two camps and all cannabis plants found, through controlled burning.
The operation extended to Fort Nassau, Berbice River, where officers observed a male fleeing from a house upon their arrival. Despite efforts to apprehend the suspect, he managed to evade capture. However, a subsequent search of the house led to the discovery of several items:
One twelve-gauge shotgun
Components for two firearms, including stocks, trigger guards, barrels, springs, and firing pins.
Six bulky parcels wrapped with transparent plastics and one brown salt bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
Four hundred dry cannabis plants hidden in the ceiling.
A statement from the GPF confirmed that all cannabis plants and suspicious items were destroyed by fire, and the firearms, ammunition, and components were seized and taken to Central Police Station for further investigation. The suspected cannabis was weighed, totaling 54 pounds, with an estimated street value of $295,171,562.00.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing as law enforcement agencies continue their efforts to curb illegal drug cultivation and trafficking in the region.
