Cannabis Worth More Than EC$200,000 Seized During Joint Airport Drug Operation

A joint operation involving police and Customs officials has resulted in the seizure of 34 pounds of suspected cannabis at the V.C. Bird International Airport.

The operation was carried out on Thursday afternoon at the LIAT Cargo Shed, where officers attached to the Narcotics Department and Customs Enforcement personnel conducted a search of a package that had raised suspicion.

During the search, law enforcement officers discovered 34 vacuum-sealed packages containing a bushy substance believed to be cannabis hidden inside a brown cardboard box.

The find was immediately seized and transported to Police Headquarters for further examination as investigators launched efforts to determine where the shipment originated and who may have been involved in its transportation.

Authorities said the substance weighed a total of 34 pounds and carries an estimated street value of EC$204,000.

The seizure marks another significant drug interdiction effort by local authorities as they continue to target the movement of illegal narcotics through the country’s ports of entry.

No arrests have been announced in connection with the discovery, and investigations remain ongoing.

The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda said it continues to work closely with Customs officials and regional and international law enforcement partners in the fight against drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Narcotics Department at Police Headquarters, the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913/14, or Crimestoppers anonymously at 800-TIPS (8477).