TWO men are in police custody following a major drug ‘bust’ on Mandela Avenue on Monday afternoon, where law-enforcement officers discovered over 21 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis hidden inside a taxi.

At around 1:00 p.m., police ranks from Regional Division ‘4A’, acting on intelligence, intercepted a white Toyota Axio bearing registration number PWW 2756, which was travelling north along the western side of Mandela Avenue.

The vehicle was being driven by Earl Harper, a 48-year-old taxi driver from Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara. Seated in the front passenger seat was Dwayne Campbell, a 47-year-old watchman of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara.

Upon stopping the vehicle, officers informed the men that they had received reports of suspected narcotics trafficking. A subsequent search of the car led to the discovery of 20 parcels wrapped in brown scotch tape, concealed in a yellow and white bag and a black haversack in the trunk.

Upon further inspection, the parcels were found to contain leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. Both men were immediately arrested and transported to the East La Penitence Police Station along with the vehicle and the suspected narcotic.

They were later taken to the CID Headquarters Crime Lab, where the substance was weighed in their presence and totalled 21,364 grammes (approximately 21.3 kg).

Both suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not yet disclosed formal charges but are expected to pursue legal action in the coming days.