– Notorious smuggler Salim Bacchus among six in custody
– 40 kilos of cocaine intercepted, gun recovered
NOTORIOUS smuggler Salim Bacchus, also known as ‘Black Salim’, is among six persons in custody following separate operations by the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) early yesterday morning, and again last night,  in the East Berbice, Corentyne area during which at least 40 kilogrammes of cocaine were intercepted and seized, along with a firearm allegedly found on Salim.

Salim is the brother of Azad Bacchus, also known as `Ak 47′, who was killed in a shootout with the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) in  2001.

The cocaine bust was announced by Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee during an interaction with the media yesterday morning.

CANU Head, Mr. James Singh later confirmed the bust, which he said occurred around 6:00 hrs yesterday morning in the Crabwood Creek/Skeldon Line Path area.

Singh noted that while a number of persons were arrested initially, only four suspects (at that point in time) remained in custody assisting with the investigation.

He said 40 kilos of cocaine was seized in the operation. The CANU head also revealed that his officers had the area where the operation took place, under surveillance for a few days, prior to yesterday’s bust.
He said the cocaine intercepted was from Guyana’s North West District, and believed to be en route to Suriname. 
Those arrested are alleged to be known drug traffickers, one of whom is said to be a Canadian resident. 

However, in an update late last night, Singh confirmed that notorious narco suspect, Salim Bacchus, was caught during a shootout with CANU officers.

It is understood that several shots were fired during the operation last night, following which Salim – who was armed – and another suspect were apprehended. The firearm found on the suspect was recovered.