Guyanese captain of cement vessel on drug charges in Barbados

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 20:59 by GxMedia

The Guyanese captain of a Panama-registered cement ship was Monday due to be arraigned on several charges connected to the discovery of a quantity of cocaine and marijuana aboard the MV Rudisa Global.

Barbados Police Force spokesman, Inspector David Welch said 48-year old Winston Leslie Fitzgerald Phillips as arrested and charged by members of the Drug Squad for the offences of:

The charges are 1) Possession of 2 kilos of cocaine; Possession with intent to supply; Trafficking; and Importation. 2) Possession of 37 lbs of cannabis Possession with intent to supply; Trafficking; and
Importation.

In the operation, Customs personnel discovered the narcotics hidden in cabins.   The crew was detained for questioning, and Phillips, who is the captain, was subsequently charged by Police, Welch said.

Phillips was expected to appear at the District A Magistrate Court on Monday February 10, 2014.  

An operation was carried out on Friday February 7, 2014 by members of the Customs and Excise Department, the Drug Squad and supported by the Police Canine Unit, Marine Unit and the Barbados Coast Guard, on board ‘Rudisa Global’, which is berthed at the Bridgetown Port.  

This ship transports cement and the crew is comprised of Guyanese and Surinamese nationals.