CoI members appointed to investigate suspected cocaine vessel

The members of a commission (CoI) set to investigate the entry of a private vessel into Guyana’s waters with suspected cocaine were sworn in on Friday during a ceremony which took place at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
Chairing the Commission is Brigadier (retired) Bruce Lovell, who will be joined by retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Winston Cosbert and Technical Officer and Economist to Cabinet, Christine Bailey.
The Commissioners are tasked with investigating the entry, interception, detention, and subsequent release of the vessel into Guyana’s waters between February 11th and 14th, 2017.

This newspaper understands that the vessel was suspected to be carrying cocaine and was escorted inland to be searched. However, investigators came up empty-handed and subsequently released the vessel.
The CoI team is now tasked with assessing the legality of the initial search conducted on the vessel to determine whether it was done in accordance with the laws of Guyana. As such, the respective roles of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guards and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit are also being questioned as the CoI seeks to determine whether narcotics or other prohibited substances were aboard the ship at the time it entered into Guyana in February. Moreover, the authorization that enabled these two units to conduct the search is to be examined.
The Commissioners have been empowered to summon and interview all persons in question, and request the presentation of relevant documentation. The team of three is also to examine the details of the vessel, which includes its capacity and information of those on board, so as to properly conduct the investigation.
The Commission of Inquiry was launched on March 30th, and is expected to produce its findings to President David Granger on or before April 12. This move is in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Law, Chapter 19:03, which gives the President the authority to establish a commission of enquiry. Furthermore, the Minister of State has the jurisdiction to add a secretary or any other member to the group. The three are to meet beginning on Monday, and their sessions will be conducted in the Conference Room of the Department of Public Sector of the Ministry of Presidency.
The ambiguity and paucity of information in the matter relating to the entrance and search of this private vessel is what prompted the launch of this CoI. The Commission comes less than a month after the Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, James Singh, was sent on leave. Singh, who is still on suspension of duties, will be among those to be questioned during the investigation.