CANU approaches DPP over cocaine in lumber case

DrugsGeorgetown: After the discovery of the 356kg of cocaine in several pieces of lumber at a Soesdyke sawmill recently, Custom Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) will be approaching the Director of Public Prosecutions, Bibi Shalimar Hack for legal advice on the matter, which can see a forklift operation being prosecuted.  

Investigators made a breakthrough in the case which puts a forklift operator as the prime suspect.

Reports revealed that 72 hours have since expired since three employees of the Guyana Timber Product Inc were held for questioning.  

Documentation at the security check point revealed that a canter went in with six pieces of lumber and left with six pieces of lumber. The lumber that was switched is believed to be the ones that the cocaine was discovered in. The forklift operator was the only person at work at the time and did facilitate the switch in lumber.

Moments after the forklift operator and driver of the canter were taken into custody; the operator reportedly told investigators that he received a telephone call from someone asking him to make the switch.

The discovery was made by members of the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Custom Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) as a result of a tip-off they received. The 356 Kg of the illicit drug seized has a street value of US$25,000 to US$35,000 per kilo. The cocaine was concealed in several plastic bags and was hidden in hollowed-out lumber destined for the Netherlands.