Buxton residents assaulted ranks, damaged vehicles & pulled suspect out of car – CANU

The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) on Wednesday shed some light on its operation at Buxton, East Coast Demerara which led to a fiery protest by residents who called for the release of their ‘godfather’ – a 25-year-old man from Vigilance who was caught with $7 million worth in marijuana.

A press release from the anti-drug agency detailed that CANU ranks conducted an operation to intercept a vehicle that drove into Buxton and evaded the officers on several occasions, “including at a roadblock on Buxton public road.”

According to CANU, a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 12 parcels of suspected cannabis which amounted to 23.2kgs (51.1 pounds).

The driver, 25-year-old Odearie Phillips, of Vigilance Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, was arrested.

“Members of the public became hostile, assaulted several officers and damaged several of the unit’s vehicles in an attempt to free Phillips who was in lawful custody, by pulling him out of CANU’s vehicle. This resulted in several shots being discharged in the air,” the CANU release noted.

According to CANU, the street value of the drugs is approximately GY$7 Million.

The operation by CANU led to some residents blocking the main roadway and lighting debris on fire. A truck driver, who did not know that a protest was ongoing, drove into Buxton but was attacked and his truck was set on fire.

The vehicle is completely damaged and the roadway has since been cleared.