A GUYANA-registered cargo vessel en route to Port Georgetown from Jamaica was recently intercepted with over 5,000 pounds of compressed marijuana and illegal weapons, according to police sources.

The MV An-Nur usually transports rice from the Essequibo Coast to neighbouring countries and around the Caribbean. Some five Guyanese crew members were reportedly arrested when the vessel was intercepted.
While James Singh, Head of Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has confirmed the confiscation of the illegal drug, he did not divulge any details about the reports of firearms on the vessel. The vessel was intercepted in international waters while on its way to Guyana and Guyanese police are working in close collaboration with the international authorities.
Singh stated that the Jamaican marijuana was being shipped to Guyana to be moved elsewhere.
According to sources, the vessel and the drugs may be taken to Costa Rica where those arrested will appear in court. MV An-Nur departed these shores early in June this year and was returning home when anti-drug agents, acting on a tip-off, intercepted the vessel with the illegal substance.

(Alex Wayne)