Only four arrests made out of drug seizures valued at almost $4 million in 2023; critics claim cops know who importers are

Almost $4 million worth of illicit drugs was seized from the
country’s two major ports of entry in 2023.
 
A press release issued by Stratcom, the communications arm of the
Police Force, on Friday, January 12, reports that the Police and the
Customs Enforcement Unit seized approximately 645.5 pounds of
cannabis during joint drug-interdiction exercises last year.
This illegal substance – seized at the V.C. Bird International Airport
and the Deep Water Harbour – carried an estimated street value of
EC$3.8 million.
 
As a result of the respective drug operations, the Police say that four
people were arrested and charged in three of the seizures made at
the Harbour.

The Force has come in for harsh criticism for the low number of
arrests made in connection with these drug seizures. Residents
have asked, repeatedly, why officers continue to remove such
shipments of drugs before they are claimed at the ports.

Critics believe “there is no political will to arrest and prosecute the
importers” and that the Police already know who the players are.
Others ask where the seized substances are kept and whether the
Police can actually account for the quantities seized.

In the meantime, as they continue their drive to keep illicit drugs off
the streets, the Police had their first drug seizure for 2024 on
Thursday, January 11, at the airport, where close to $100,000 worth
of cannabis was found. 
 
Reportedly, the controlled substance weighs 16 pounds and was
discovered inside the Transit Cargo area. It has an estimated street
value of $96,000. 

Stratcom also reports that officials seized 250 rounds of 9 mm
ammunition at the Harbour last February.