Busted in Antigua for Drugs

The four men who were intercepted on a vessel in Antiguan waters in the country’s largest cocaine bust ever, are expected to be charged in a day or two as officials from the Organisation of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) continue to conduct their investigations.

The Class A drug which was seized in a speedboat arriving from Venezuela on Wednesday, has a street value of EC $126,360,000.
The three Venezuelans and a Colombian, ranging in ages from 40 to 43, were captured in the southern section of the island.
The joint operation between the ONDCP and the Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), on Wednesday evening, netted 900 kilos (1,984.1 pounds) of cocaine.
“If the cocaine had arrived in the UK it would be sold at a street value of £90,000,000 while in the USA the street value would be approximately US $90,000,000,” a communiqué from the ONDCP read.
The illegal substance was found in more than 32 tightly wrapped and sealed plastic packages that were stacked in a large, black bag, amongst cargo.
The Director of ONDCP Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft told The Daily OBSERVER, “We are indeed elated that we were able to make a contribution of peace and security through the interception of this very dangerous drug.
“This success would have saved the lives of hundreds of persons whether in Antigua & Barbuda, in the region or internationally. We are happy that Antigua & Barbuda was able to play its role in the fight against individuals who engage in criminal activity.
Colonel Croft said he was extremely pleased to know that his team played an integral role in keeping the illicit drugs off the streets.
“I’m just thankful of the women and men of the ONDCP and I also wish to recognise the professionalism of the Coast Guard and other agencies involved in the effort.”
The director has pledged to keep patrolling to protect the lives of residents.
This cocaine seizure, the largest in the history of Antigua & Barbuda is also possibly one of the largest within the Eastern Caribbean.
Just last month, an Antiguan and two Montserratian men were caught with $3.871 million worth of cocaine at the Deep Water Harbour. The 24 sealed packages totalled 27.4 kilos or 60.28 pounds. The men have since been charged and each released on $4 million bail. The matter is pending in the court.

Reprinted from the Daily Observer - Antigua