AFC politician busted transporting over 685 lbs ‘ganja’

Former Member of Parliament for the Alliance for Change (AFC) and Linden educator, Devin Sears, was arrested on Monday night after police uncovered more than 310.71 kilogrammes (approximately 685 pounds) of cannabis in a minibus he was driving in the vicinity of the Old Bamia Police Checkpoint, Linden.

According to a police report, at about 20:41 hrs, a team of ranks on mobile patrol duties stopped a dark blue Toyota Hiace minibus, bearing registration number BAJ 4486, during a routine “stop and search” exercise. The vehicle, registered to the Region 10 Tourism Committee Inc., was being driven by Sears, 39, of Mackenzie, Linden, with Albert Sandy, a 69-year-old farmer from Tacama Waterfront, Upper Berbice River, seated in the front passenger seat.

While Sears remained silent, Sandy allegedly admitted ownership of the narcotics, telling investigators that the drugs belonged to him and that he had paid Sears to transport him to Parika.

Police said the driver began acting suspiciously, “sweating profusely,” prompting further checks. When asked what he was transporting, Sears reportedly told the officers, “I am transporting tourism plants.”

However, upon searching the vehicle, police discovered 22 bulky black plastic bags and four large brown canvas bags filled with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. The men were immediately told of the offence, arrested, and cautioned.

The suspects and the seized items were escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed in their presence and amounted to 310.71 kilogrammes (approximately 685 pounds).

Both men remain in custody as investigations continue and charges are being prepared.