BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AN operation led by officers of Her Majesty’s Loyal Customs and Excise Department on Monday (Aug. 10) resulted in a large drug find worth close to EC$90 000.
A press release issued today (Aug. 12) by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force informed that the Department and its Canine Unit “intercepted a package of illegal drugs valued at EC $89,100 during a routine search of cargo that landed at the Basseterre Port on Monday (August 10).”
It indicated that during the operation the dogs raised the alarm concerning the package, and when searched and the contents tested it was found to be cocaine.
“During the search the canines alerted the handling officers of a suspicious package and upon further inspection, a quantity of a white substance was observed. The substance was subjected to a field test, and confirmed to be cocaine.Officers of the Drug Unit of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force were called and the package was turned over for formal processing.”
SKNVibes contacted Assistant Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley concerning the incident. When questioned about whether or not the package has a label of the consignee, place of origin and if suspects were being sought, the ACP who is responsible for Crime indicated that he is not prepared to provide any information.
He however did indicate that no one was taken into custody concerning the matter.
As quoted by the police’s press release, Acting Deputy Comptroller of Customs Kennedy DeSilva commended the officers of the Customs Department and expressed the Department’s commitment to prohibiting contraband from entering the Federation.
“The efforts of the Customs and Excise Department in keeping St. Kitts and Nevis free of illegal goods have again yielded results. I commend the dedication and commitment of the men and women of the Customs Service. Seizures like these are rewarding and contribute to our continued vigilance. We are committed to keeping prohibited goods from entering our Federation.”
The Customs Department was also commended by the Acting Commissioner of Police, Stafford Liburd.
“I commend the Customs and Excise Department for their continued efforts in assisting in the fight against illegal activity. Their vigilance has paid dividends once again.”
Over the past 13 months, the Department has made drug finds including one in September 2014 when a young woman was re-entering the country.
And in late April 2015 a civilian was arrested and charged with cocaine possession. It was said that a Customs Officer was in custody assisting with investigations but was subsequently released.
Monday’s incident, the release informed, is being investigated by both the Customs Department and the Police Force.
