Over 5lbs of ganja found near Mazaruni prison 

Two haversacks containing about 2,432.8 grammes (or about 5.4 pounds) of marijuana were found near the solar farm in the compound of the Mazaruni Prison on Sunday.

Police Headquarters said the discovery was made around 10:30 hrs.

It was reported that the Officer-in-Charge of the Mazaruni Prison was on duty at the said location when he received a phone call from an unknown caller. The caller informed him that narcotics were allegedly dropped off in the solar farm area within the Mazaruni Prison compound, to smuggle them into the prison.

As a result, the Officer in Charge instructed a Prison Officer to conduct checks in the area. Between 10:35 hrs and 11:15 hrs on the same date, while conducting searches, approximately one hundred feet west of the Solar Farm, the Prison Officer discovered two bulky, multi-coloured ‘Bob Marley’ haversacks. Upon opening them, he found 14 bulky parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The Prison Officer immediately informed his superior, who subsequently reported the matter to the Bartica Police Station.

The location, about 100 feet west of the Mazaruni Prison Solar Farm and approximately 300 feet from the Mazaruni River, was pointed out by the Prison Officer. The area is covered with vegetation ranging from one to five feet in height.

The two multi-coloured haversacks were handed over to Police ranks who conducted a search of the bags and discovered 17 bulky parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. Additionally, two pairs of slippers with abnormally bulky soles were found. Upon opening the soles, four transparent parcels containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis were discovered.

The cannabis was weighed by the Police in the presence of the Prison Officer and amounted to 2,432.8 grammes. The items were then placed in a transparent evidence bag, sealed, marked, and lodged at the Bartica Police Station.

Statements were obtained, and investigations are ongoing.