By Zya Williams

Law enforcement officials made a significant drug seizure at the Deep Water Harbor, uncovering 42½ pounds of cannabis hidden in a water heater.

The bust, which took place yesterday, was part of a joint operation by the Narcotics Department and Customs Enforcement Unit.

The discovery resulted in the seizure of the controlled drug with an estimated street value of $255,000.

The water heater was found and transported to Police Headquarters, where the cannabis was found upon inspection.

This recent bust follows a similar incident last month, where over 60 pounds of cannabis were seized in two separate drug busts at the same location.

Damar Stapleton, a 37-year-old from Bendals, is suspected of importing two large batches of the drug and is currently on remand awaiting his next court appearance.

Stapleton was arrested last week and charged with importing 20 pounds of cannabis into the country on March 13.

Additionally, he faces charges of possession of cannabis, possession with intent to transfer, and involvement in the supply of cannabis.

Stapleton was already on remand for similar offences after 41 packages of cannabis weighing 41 pounds were discovered on March 7, 2024.