BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force last Tuesday (Jan. 14) sent up in flames a very large number of illicit drugs, including the 124 packages of cocaine that were seized last year.
The operation was conducted by members of the Anti-Narcotics Unit and, on invitation, was witnessed by media personnel in the Federation.
According to a police report, in addition to the 124 packages of cocaine, members of the Anti-Narcotics Unit had also destroyed thousands of kilos of compressed marijuana, a large number of uprooted marijuana plants and a number of other exhibits.
The 124 packages of cocaine were seized aboard a yacht that ran aground in Sandy Point on Sunday, November 3, 2019 during a joint operation by members of the Police Force, Customs and Excise Department, St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force and the Coast Guard.
The cocaine had an estimated street value of over EC$12M and was described as one of the largest drugs bust in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Police had informed that a suspect was being sought, but Sergeant Carlene Phipps, who oversees the Anti-Narcotics Unit, disclosed on Tuesday that no arrests had been made in the case.
She explained that the marijuana which was destroyed was seized from a number of operations as well as from packages handed over by Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department.
Sergeant Phipps reminded the public that the importation and distribution of marijuana is still an offense and could lead to an arrest.
“We know that the drug law has been amended where 15 grams is the legal limit that one could have, but bear in mind that anything over 15 grams is arrestable. You can be charged with Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Supply,” she said.
