CANU chasing leads in Narco Sub discovery; working with Int’l partners

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Days after being brought to the City and a person being arrested and later released, Customs Anti – Narcotic Unit (CANU) Head James Singh has confirmed with iNews that work with international partners are ongoing as they track down several leads in the discovery of a Self Propelled Semi-Submersible in the Waini River last month.

Speaking to iNews during a telephone interview today, Thursday, September 04, James said further checks are being carried out by CANU and Police Officers on the submarine which is currently being held at a City wharf.

“The Submarine has been brought to Georgetown where further checks are being carried out and through the Ministry of Home Affairs they will set up a visit for the press,” he said.

The CANU Head said too, “We have been working with our international colleagues issuing information, they visited and have looked at the sub and it’s ongoing.”

Singh told iNews that so far investigators have been able to ascertain a lot in relation to the discovery but cautioned that the information could not be released at this time.

According to Singh, the detainee’s lawyer, Glen Hanoman, had filed Habeas Corpus proceedings in the High Court for his client’s release.

The operation, during which the Sub was found, also discovered a camp consisting of three structures – accommodation, workshop area and generator. The accommodation had the capacity to sleep approximately 12 persons, there was also a kitchen area located within the accommodation.

CANU in a statement noted that the workshop consisted of pulleys, power tools, paint, and several fiber glass materials. Based on the items, it is evident that this area was used to build the Submersible found in the creek.

Local law enforcement as well as foreign anti- narcotics experts strongly believe that the semi- submersible vessel was built by a known Colombian drug cartel with links throughout South America.

The materials used, the design and organisation behind its construction bear the hallmark of the Colombian drug cartel which had been widening its transshipment points for drugs, particularly shipping cocaine into North America.