Four linked to semi-sub arrested for cocaine trafficking

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 December 2015, 11:56 by GxMedia

The Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) that was found on a creek off the Waini River (CANU photo)

The discovery of a Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible vessel in north-western Guyana more than one year ago has led to the arrest and charge of several persons overseas, according to the Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh.

Singh said the four persons were arrested a few weeks after the discovery of the semi-submersible vessel in August, 2014. “The semi-submersible was built to carry cocaine across the Atlantic,” he said.

The anti-drugs chief declined to reveal the nationalities of those charged and in which country they were being prosecuted.

“People who had links were charged in another jurisdiction based on their involvement in narcotics and possible links in Guyana,” he told Demerara Waves Online News.

Singh stressed that he could not divulge any more information because the investigations were continuing.

The semi-submersible was found near in the Waini area, around the general area where an abandoned fibre-glass go-fast boat was found last month covered with vegetation to conceal it.

The CANU Head credited the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with locating this boat that he said had been modified for use in illegal activities such as the carrying of more cargo.

The Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible vessel has since been sent to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for analysis.