Assistant Superintendent of Police Frankie Thomas has defended Thursday’s large-scale cannabis operation near Pares Village, insisting that authorities will continue to crack down on illegal marijuana cultivation despite the country’s decriminalisation laws.

Speaking to Observer Media following the raid, Thomas said the cannabis plantation uncovered by law enforcement bore no resemblance to the limited cultivation permitted under Antigua and Barbuda’s legislation.

The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 500 cannabis plants and close to 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana. Four men were arrested at the scene and remain in police custody as investigations continue.

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Thomas stressed that while Antigua and Barbuda allows individuals to possess small amounts of marijuana and cultivate up to four plants under certain conditions, commercial-scale cultivation requires specific licensing.

“There are two categories that one may obtain a licence to grow marijuana and that is for medicinal purposes: we have the medicinal licence and the sacramental licence. Clearly, what is happening here none of these fall within this category,” he said.

According to Thomas, the operation was launched after authorities determined that those involved did not possess the required licences to cultivate cannabis legally.

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“In fact, this operation was done as a result that the growers did not obtain or have in their possession any such licences and again this clearly is a violation of the laws of Antigua and Barbuda and we must enforce the laws,” he stated.

Thomas made it clear that police have no intention of turning a blind eye to illegal cannabis operations.

“So again, the illegal and unlawful cultivation of cannabis plants is something that we will not put up with,” he said.

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The raid began around 10 a.m. and involved officers from the Guns, Gangs and Suppression Unit, Special Services Unit, K-9 Unit, Customs Enforcement Team, Immigration Department and the Narcotics Department.

Thomas praised the coordinated effort among the various agencies, describing national security as a shared responsibility.

“We continue to work together because at the end of the day this is not just a police matter. The enforcement and the security of this country is a collaborative effort. We have external partners, we have law enforcement partners who work together with us ever so often to ensure the safety and security of our twin island state,” he said.

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The seized cannabis plants and cured marijuana are expected to be destroyed once the investigation is completed and the necessary legal procedures have been followed.

While charges are anticipated, Thomas declined to identify the four men taken into custody, saying only that investigations remain ongoing.

The police administration has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the country’s drug laws and preventing illegal narcotics from reaching the nation’s youth and vulnerable communities.

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