3000 lbs of ganja destroyed in Berbice river; 4 arrested

Approximately 3000 pounds of marijuana were destroyed during an eradication exercise at De Veldt in the Berbice River on Saturday. The operation was conducted between 05:30hrs and 20:00hrs.

Police Headquarters reported that four persons including a juvenile were arrested; they are Fabian Atkinson, 30, of Santa Rosa, North West District; Terrence John, 24, of New Amsterdam, Berbice and 20-year-old Elboy Anastacio of Grove, East Bank Demerara.

Police said approximately 15,000 cannabis plants ranging from ten inches to seven feet amounting to approximately 2000 pounds were found cultivated on six acres of land.

In addition to that, approximately 1,000 pounds of dried cannabis and six 12-gauge cartridges were also found in a camp where the three suspects and juvenile were seen attending to the plants.

Upon seeing the ranks, the men attempted to escape but were apprehended during a chase.

In John’s bag, police found a A03 Samsung Cellular phone and Guyana National ID card.

Further searches were conducted in the camp and a Guyana Passport belonging to Ephraim Daniel Vaughn along with his vaccination card were found.

The camps, drying areas, processed cannabis, and cannabis plants were all destroyed by fire.
Investigations are ongoing.