THE 65-foot-long submersible that was found in the Waini River Region of the North West District two weeks ago has been brought to Georgetown as investigators continue probing its construction and utility.

Twelve feet wide and seven feet deep, this vessel was found outfitted with a diesel engine, and was reputedly built in Guyana. No one has, to date, been arrested in connection with this find, nor was any drug found aboard.

Ranks of the Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU) are convinced that the vessel was used to ship drugs in and out of Guyana. A source said that, based on investigations, the vessel was used to ship drugs to some part of Africa and South America.

With help of the US Drug Enforcement Agency, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks are conducting investigations with a view to arresting the person or persons who built the submersible.

A close CANU source confirmed to the Chronicle that a shop owner from somewhere in the Waini Region has, on Saturday, been taken into CANU custody for questioning.

The source said that, based on the investigations, no charges would be laid against the man, because he is disclaiming knowledge about the drug vessel.

(Asif Hakim)