Narcotics, guns and ammo trio still in custody

Three persons who were detained on Friday last following a narcotics and ammunition bust at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri remain in custody. According to reports the three were still assisting with investigations.

The three – a woman and two men – were detained by Police Narcotics ranks around 11:55 am on Friday after ranks and the special constabulary on duty at the time intercepted two suitcases.

Initial reports stated the suitcases contained 14 parcels of compressed marijuana with a total weight of 38 kilogrammes, 636 grams, three .38 revolvers, 55 rounds of .38 ammunition, two rounds of .357 ammunition, two fragmentation grenades and two detonators. Stabroek News was told by sources at the airport that the woman in custody is a school teacher from Berbice who was on her way to Barbados.

Reports are that the woman was an outgoing passenger on a LIAT flight and had already checked in her suitcase with her name tagged on it. She had boarded the aircraft when police officers discovered that two other suitcases with her name showed up. The suitcases were checked and the items mentioned above were found inside. The airport sources said that whoever was attempting to export the items did not conceal them properly in the suitcase. Stabroek News understands that the authorities have been looking into the possibility that someone trying to export the drugs and weapons used the woman’s name. The police have arrested two men, one of them is a baggage handler.