The suspected drug sub. CANU photo]

[www.inewsguyana.com] –

Local law enforcement as well as foreign anti- narcotics experts strongly believe that the semi- submersible vessel found in the North West District 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.

iNews learnt that a similar submersible craft was located in a nearby South American country recently and this might not be the only one built.

The local Customs Antinarcotics Unit (CANU) has been ‎praised by number of counter-narcotics agencies for making this major breakthrough in its fight against the narcotics trade in Guyana.

Officials of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit and the Guyana Defence Force Special Forces, Coast Guard and Air Corps conducted an operation along the Waini River in the North West District, during which they found a blue vessel (later identified as a Self Propelled Semi Submersible (SPSS)) about two miles in.

The joint operation also found 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 present, it is evident that this area was used to build the SPSS found in the creek.

The SPSS upon closer inspection was already fitted with a diesel engine and steering wheel, navigation and other machinery to deem it serviceable. There was no contraband on board the SPSS.

Investigations are ongoing along with discussions with foreign counterparts as it relates to information sharing and assistance.