CANU cites arrest, conviction of `major drug traffickers’ last year

In a report for 2023, the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) has cited the arrests and convictions of seven persons who it described as “major drug traffickers”.

CANU Head James Singh said that  the seven  were key players involved in drug trafficking, contributing to widespread addiction.

“These accomplishments represent a significant blow to the criminal enterprises involved in drug trafficking and also provide valuable intelligence to dismantle associated structures and prevent future trafficking activities”, he said, adding “These achievements serve as a stark warning to those who engage in such criminal activities…”

The report said Lena Narine has been involved in narcotics trafficking for over 28 years and has been on the radar of overseas law enforcement for allegedly recruiting others to unlawfully transport narcotics to foreign nations. Narine was arrested three times in relation to cocaine and cannabis discovered. She was recently sentenced to two years for 1 kg cocaine.

Andre Clarke has been involved in narcotics trafficking for approximately 15 years and was arrested at least six times over cannabis and cocaine found. Although physically disabled, CANU said that Clarke continues his illegal activities with narcotics and allegedly firearms and ammunition.

Royston Peniston has been involved in narcotics trafficking for nearly three decades and has been linked to other illegal activities. Peniston, the owner of Blue Iguana Nightclub was arrested after cocaine was found at this residence concealed in suitcases, CANU said.

Clyde Anthony Barrett, known as Clivey is the owner of City Vibes Night-club and has been involved in narcotics trafficking for about two decades, CANU said. Barrett was arrested twice for cannabis found in his vehicle and nightclub.

CANU said that Michael Andrew Morgan has been involved in narcotics trafficking since the early 1990’s and was investigated for several drug shipments. Morgan was arrested and subsequently sentenced to four years for 3.27 kgs cocaine found at his residence on his dining table.

Troy Jacobs has been involved in narcotics trafficking for almost two decades, CANU said,  and has been linked to several seizures with his residence searched multiple times. Jacobs was arrested and subsequently sentenced to three years for 3 kgs of cannabis found in his possession.

CANU said that Ron Reid, known as Rani, is an alleged  professional wrapper of cocaine pellets for the purpose of ingestion  and has flown to other countries to perform his craft. Reid was arrested twice and sentenced to four years for 1 kg cocaine in pellet form.