FOUR persons are in police custody after more than 17 pounds of suspected cannabis were discovered during an intelligence-led operation at the Bladen Hall Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara.

Police said the operation was conducted between 19:45 hrs and 20:20 hrs on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

During the exercise, ranks contacted four occupants at a premises in the area: a 51-year-old labourer, a 45-year-old vendor, a 26-year-old construction worker and a 26-year-old woman of Vigilance.

A search of the premises led to the discovery of a bulky black plastic bag containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis concealed among vegetation in the yard.

The four suspects were arrested and escorted to the Vigilance Police Station along with the suspected narcotic.

Police said the suspected cannabis was weighed in the presence of the suspects and amounted to 17.25 pounds before being lodged.

The suspects remain in custody pending charges.

Investigations are ongoing.