Montserrat Police Seize 65 Kilos of Cocaine in Major Anti-Drug Operation

Law enforcement on Montserrat dismantled a drug smuggling attempt, uncovering roughly 65 kilograms of cocaine worth more than three million dollars. Four foreign nationals face prosecution for importing and holding illegal drugs.

Montserrat Police Seize 65 Kilos of Cocaine in Major Anti-Drug Operation

Law enforcement on the Caribbean island of Montserrat has dismantled a significant drug smuggling attempt, uncovering buried caches containing roughly 65 kilograms of cocaine worth more than three million dollars on the street. The bust came after weeks of heightened marine patrols and cross-agency collaboration.

Deputy Commissioner Bradley Siddell explained that authorities had been monitoring unusual boat movements near the island's waters. On January 24th, marine officers intercepted a fishing boat flying the Dominican flag, suspecting it was involved in illicit operations. Four non-citizens were apprehended and held under immigration powers.

This initial catch triggered a broader sweep uniting the police criminal investigation division, marine unit, financial crimes team, and customs officials. For multiple days, teams scoured coastal areas south of the active volcano within Exclusion Zone V, checking Foxes Bay, Old Road Bay, and Isles Bay by land and sea.

The intensive search paid off on January 30th when officers penetrated the exclusion zone and found two hidden burial spots. Excavation produced about 65 kilograms of what is believed to be cocaine. The haul is being shipped away from Montserrat without delay for protected warehousing and laboratory testing.

American agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency landed on the island the following week to support follow-up arrangements and share cross-border intelligence. In response, the police station has bolstered its protective measures.

Four suspects now face prosecution for importing and holding illegal drugs: Dominicans Derrick Nicholas, Elroy Gussie, and Ackmel St. Jean, plus Venezuelan national Juan Vasquez. They were brought before a judge on February 1st.

The police force also dealt with two additional sea incidents around the same period. Late on February 1st, a boat became stranded near Bottomless Ghaut. Three Antiguan nationals were initially detained under immigration rules, though investigators concluded they had broken no laws. Plans are underway to send them home. Early the next morning, authorities received an emergency call about a boat named "God" struggling roughly four miles offshore. Although the police craft Shamrock headed out, other rescuers reached the scene first and towed the broken-down vessel to safety.

Source: SKNVibes

Source: Google News MS — Crime