The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) today said that based on intelligence from an ongoing probe, its officials and personnel from other law enforcement agencies yesterday found a semi-submersible craft in a creek off the Waini River in the northwest which was ostensibly to be used in the drug trade.
A statement today from CANU said:
Officials of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit and the Guyana Defence Force Special Forces, Coast Guard and Air Corps conducted an operation along the Waini River in the North West District. During a search of one of the creeks branching off from the Waini, a blue vessel (later identified as a Self Propelled Semi Submersible (SPSS)) was discovered about 2 miles in, along with a camp consisting of 3 structures – accommodation, workshop area and generator. The accommodation had the capacity to sleep approximately 12 persons, there was also a kitchen area located within the accommodation. The workshop consisted of pulleys, power tools, paint, and several fiber glass materials. Based on the items present, it is evident that this area was used to build the SPSS found in the creek.
The SPSS upon closer inspection was already fitted with a diesel engine and steering wheel, navigation and other machinery to deem it serviceable. There was no contraband on board the SPSS.
Investigations are ongoing along with discussions with foreign counterparts as it relates to information sharing and assistance.
