Int’l partners involved in probe of major drug bust at CJIA

As investigations continue into a recent drug bust at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), head of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), James Singh, said the body is collaborating with international partners.

On September 20, CANU officers discovered 147 pounds of cocaine during an operation at the airport. The narcotics were reportedly intended for a KLM flight destined for Amsterdam. Singh told reporters on Thursday that eight persons have been questioned as part of the probe.

“We had one person in custody and the investigation is still ongoing. We have questioned several persons because of the complexity of when drugs are found, and there was nobody physically present. That is one of the reasons we are working with our international partners to determine where it was going and who may have been on the end to receive it,” Singh stated.

While Singh declined to provide specific details, he underscored the importance of building a strong evidential case.

“I am not at liberty to give more details, but like with every investigation, it is not who you found with the drugs. The key here is the person has to give testimony. Persons make reference to ‘big fish’, we have an idea who is behind this. The difference is that is intelligence; to put that to court now is where the hard work is,” he explained.

He added that while the public often expects swift arrests and convictions, international narcotics investigations can take time because evidence collected locally may need to be used in foreign jurisdictions.

“Often times it may take a little longer but considering the fact that this was an international operation, obviously we have to work with our colleagues overseas to ensure that it is not just what we do here but it has to match what is happening because the evidence we have here will be used in another territory if there is an opportunity to lay charges there,” Singh noted.

Regarding airport security footage, Singh said investigators have a fair idea of how the drugs were placed at the airport, but declined to elaborate further.

“We have an idea as to how the drugs got there but I am not going to say too much on that right now because I would be telling the person what not to do next time or why we are looking,” he stated.

Singh further reiterated that some aspects of the probe cannot be made public to avoid jeopardising ongoing investigations.