The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) on Saturday destroyed 1009 kilograms of local and foreign marijuana with a street value of approximately US$2.5 million, equivalent to $500 million.
The destruction exercise occurred at the former Ministry of Housing tarmac, Homestretch Avenue.
In a statement, the law enforcement agency said the cases where the narcotics were kept for evidence have all been concluded in the Magistrates’ Court.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, witnessed the burning exercise. CANU’s Head, James Singh, stated that the quantity of narcotics burnt on Saturday was just a fraction of the amount of drugs seized for 2023.
In fact, between January to June 2023, the Unit seized approximately 677.40 kilograms of narcotics, comprising 662.40 kilograms of cannabis, 14.80 kilograms of cocaine, 10 grams of hashish and 90 grams of ecstasy.
The Unit also seized four firearms and 1087 ammunition seizures encompassing diverse types. The Unit handled 30 cases for the said period and secured 27 convictions.
“CANU has also placed great emphasis on the areas of demand reduction and institutional strengthening, collaborating with various agencies in this sector, conducting School Drug Prevention sensitisations throughout the country as well as working on other projects that will facilitate the development of treatment and reintegration of recovering Substance Users,” the statement said.
According to CANU, great emphasis is also placed on International Cooperation, liaising with International and regional organisations, which significantly enhances the country’s ability to combat the present drug situation.
