Antigua and Barbuda: Cannabis worth $60,000 seized at VC Bird International Airport

The Customs and Police Officers of Antigua and Barbuda conducted a joint drug operation and seized 10 pounds of cannabis with a worth valued at EC $60,000. This seizure took place on Friday, 30^th August 2024, at VC Bird International Airport.

During the exercise, the authorities held a search of the storage room where they discovered a cardboard box containing 9 vacuum-sealed packages of the controlled substances.

Following the seizure of the drug substance, it was taken to the police station where the authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter with a vision to get the culprit punished for the offence, he/she committed.

Notably, this is the second time in a month that such drugs have been seized from the airport. Initially, in the same month, the authorities found 2 pounds of cannabis, valued at EC$12,000, at the airport.

With the frequent cases of crime in the country, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda has expressed its concern and addressed the nation two weeks ago with a vision to take preventive measures to eradicate crime in the country.

Recently, the Prime Minister has also ordered $2 Million watercraft to assist with circumnavigation and to apprehend the criminals who are smuggling contraband through the bays and quays of the island nation.

PM Gaston Browne stated that they are adamant in their mission to protect all the citizens of the country and for the same, they have urged the citizens of the nation to stand in united in protecting the people from the predators who threaten the peace and tranquillity in the communities of Antigua and Barbuda.

While emphasising on increasing crime and violence in the country, PM Browne stated that it is most crucial to safeguard the youth of the country, “future of the nation.” For the same, the authorities have designed a youth intervention programme to prevent juvenile delinquency, support their academic advancement and develop youth into good citizens of the country.

The authorities claimed that this programme can be a great way of preventing young individuals from getting indulged in drug activities. Therefore, they added that accessible and effective drug rehabilitation programme for juveniles must be part of a suite of activities and services available to the young people of the nation.

Moreover, the Prime Minister also aimed to invest several of dollars to assist with circumnavigation and to apprehend the criminals who are smuggling contraband through the bays and quays of the island nation.

Along with that, he also promised acquire ten additional surveillance drones to enhance law enforcement crime fighting capabilities and installing additional cameras on the streets, with superior technology to improve surveillance.

The Prime Minister Browne noted that the entire nation needs to get together in their fight against crime.