Two ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were arrested by Police at about 3.45 am today after their vehicle was intercepted and searched, and they were found to be in possession of 22 bulky bags containing 154 lbs of cannabis.
The GDF in a release named the two ranks as Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, Staff Sergeant Adisa Higgins and Sergeant Colvis Sam.
A release from the police said that the two GDF ranks were nabbed during a joint intelligence-led Police operation conducted by ranks from Special Branch and Regional Division 4’B’.
The two ranks were in a motor vehicle (DFB 1786) belonging to the GDF. The vehicle was being driven at the time by a 31-year-old GDF Sergeant from Turkeyen. The other occupant of the vehicle was a 42-year-old GDF Staff Sergeant from Linden. Both men are stationed at GDF’s Camp Ayanganna Headquarters, the police said.
Police stopped the vehicle along the Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara, in the vicinity of the Prairie Hotel, and a search was conducted during which 22 bulky bags were found, the police said. The bags contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.
The two GDF ranks were told of the offence of trafficking in narcotics and cautioned. They were both arrested and escorted to the Regional Police Division 4’B’ Headquarters, where the suspected cannabis was weighed and amounted to 154 lbs.
The two GDF ranks were placed in custody as investigations continue.
In its press release, the GDF said it “is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct among its ranks and does not condone any behaviour that undermines the trust and confidence reposed in the Force by the public. The Force is fully collaborating” with the police.
The GDF added that “this incident is an anomaly and does not reflect the character and dedication of the men and women who serve”.
