More than 200 grams (g) of suspected cannabis were discovered abandoned behind the Mahdia Arcade, in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) on Thursday, during a Police operation in the area. According to Police, ranks from the division were conducting searches in and around the arcade when they came across a black plastic bag hidden behind a zinc fence at the back of the premises. Inside were leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The suspected narcotics were photographed at the location and later taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where they were weighed and found to total 205g. No one was in the immediate vicinity when the drugs were found, and investigators believe the bag may have been left there to avoid detection. The matter remains under investigation as authorities work to trace its origin. Law enforcement in Region Eight has been maintaining increased patrols and targeted searches in recent weeks as part of wider efforts to disrupt the distribution of illegal substances in the Potaro district.
Just three days ago, a couple was nabbed with marijuana and methamphetamine at their Puruni Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) premises.
Police Headquarters reported that ranks conducted a cordon and search operation that night, leading to the discovery of the narcotics.
During the exercise, conducted between 20:10h and 20:30h, the ranks received certain information which led them to the residence of Hudley Khan, called Allan, located at Puruni Landing. Upon arrival at the premises, Khan was contacted along with his reputed wife, Yolimar Del Valle Rivas, a 32-year-old Venezuelan national. The ranks requested to conduct searches for illegal firearms, narcotics and ammunition, after which Khan indicated that he had narcotics in his room.
Khan thereafter pointed out a multi-coloured bag which, when opened, contained 23 bulky parcels and one transparent plastic bag, all containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. Additionally, one plastic bag containing a whitish rock-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine was found.
Khan admitted ownership of the suspected narcotics during a video- and audio-recorded interview with the Police. He and his wife were both informed of the offences committed, after which they were arrested, cautioned and placed into custody along with the suspected narcotics. The entire search was video- and audio-recorded using the Force’s video camera. Police are yet to ascertain the weight of the suspected narcotics.
Further investigations are in progress.
