DDL ‘convinced’ rum shipment was not laden with cocaine in Guyana

Following the interception of a container of its rum with over 1,100 pounds of cocaine in the Netherlands, the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) on Saturday said it is convinced the shipment was not contaminated here.

In a statement, DDL said it is concerned about international shipping routes which necessitate transshipment through certain other countries and expressed its hope that more effective security and detection measures would be implemented.

While noting that it is committed to protection of of its unblemished image and that of its supply chain, DL stated that the discovery was made by a staff of its contracted bonded warehouse who, immediately called in the relevant law enforcement agencies in the Netherlands. After being informed, the company said it took the necessary steps to inform the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) Customs officials. The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) was subsequently informed by both the Netherlands authorities and the GRA.