Barbadian fined $51.9M, jailed for ganja bust

Following the marijuana bust at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) Wharf on Wednesday, a 51-year-old Barbadian has taken the rap for five other crewmen who were aboard the vessel.

Michael Forde of St Michael, Barbados, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday before Chief Magistrate Ann Mclennan and pleaded guilty. He was fined $51.9 million and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.
The bust, which was carried out by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, saw over 69 kilograms of marijuana being unearthed. The six-member crew – which comprised of four Guyanese and two Barbadians – were all arrested at that time.
Forde was four of six crew members to make their appearance at the court. The others – 48-year-old Hardat Monilall of Charlotte Street, Bourda; 67-year-old Trevor Robinson of St James, Barbados; and 39-year-old Randy Welch – were all freed. Those who did now show up were 51-year-old James Emptage and 48-year-old Clyde Outridge.

Initial reports stated that the bust was done by agents of the CANU at the GNIC Wharf, Lombard Street, Georgetown.
According to information received, the Barbados-registered cargo vessel marked “CV1 Barbados” laden with perishable goods (vegetables and fruits inclusive of plantains, coconuts and pumpkins) and other goods was searched twice during the week as part of an ongoing operation.
The vessel was reportedly first searched on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, and then again on Wednesday, October 7. It was during the second search whereby 71 parcels of marijuana were uncovered, reportedly concealed in a section of the vessel. The illegal substance, when weighed, amounted to 69.246 kg (152 pounds).
CANU, in a release to the media, related that the vessel had been in Guyana for several weeks and had undergone repairs while docked here. Over the years, CANU has unearthed and destroyed hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy.
This is one of several discoveries of illegal substance in vessels which were reported for the year. Back in April, two persons were arrested following the discovery of more than 46 kilograms of cannabis in a wooden vessel in Canje Creek, Berbice.
The bust was made by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), who were acting on intelligence gathered. According to Police, there were 24 parcels of marijuana in the boat which weighed a total of 46.980kg.
Later in August, a boat captain was arrested after marijuana was found in his vessel. He later managed to escape law enforcement officers by plunging overboard and swimming to shore.
Ranks of the Guyana Police Force were conducting a river patrol in the Canje Creek when they intercepted a wooden vessel in the vicinity of Sandaka.
A search of the boat revealed nine taped and compressed parcels, each containing suspected cannabis which when weighed amounted to some 103kg. Four men including the captain were arrested. Whilst being escorted to New Amsterdam in the GPF’s boat, which was powered by a 60hp outboard engine, the captain held onto one of the ranks and plunged overboard with him. (G12)