Four persons were arrested yesterday after ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) unearthed approximately 189 pounds of high-grade marijuana at a Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast house.
CANU Head James Singh yesterday told Sunday Stabroek that CANU agents, acting on intelligence, conducted a search at the property – 221 Clarke Street Dartmouth – during which the cannabis was found. The cannabis, which was found concealed in 79 parcels, has a reported street value of US$80,000, which is equivalent to over $16 million. It amounted to 85.804 kilos..
In a subsequent statement, CANU said the cannabis is believed to be “commercial Creepie weed” that was trafficked from Venezuela.
An insightCrime.org report says “Cripa” or “creepy” marijuana is a powerful strain. Compared to other types of marijuana, it reportedly has up to 20% higher levels of THC, the active psychoactive ingredient in the plant and sells for higher prices.
At the time of the discovery, the cannabis was already packaged and labelled. It is suspected that the marijuana was being prepared to be sent overseas.
Singh was quoted by the agency as saying, “This seizure comes at a time when CANU has been further widening its grasp across the country more particularly in Berbice, Essequibo and other key locations”.
He added that the Unit’s key aim is to disrupt smuggling routes. “CANU will no longer wait at known wharves and ports but will work with our local communities, Inter-agencies and our International Counterparts to uncover and intercept narcotic traffickers in their niches and comfort zones countrywide,” he added.
The investigation is ongoing.
