Busted drug vessel was last in Guyana in 2013; Arrested Guyanese nationals identified

The four persons who were found on the vessel, north of Suriname in international waters, have all been identified as Guyanese nationals. Their names have been given as Mohammed Nazim Hosein, who was the captain of the vessel, Richard La Cruz, Mark Anthony Williams and Neville Jeffrey.

Busted drug vessel was last in Guyana in 2013; Arrested Guyanese nationals identified

The St. Vincent registered fishing vessel which was busted by US Coast Guard with 4.2 tons of cocaine was last in Guyana back in 2013, although its crew members are all Guyanese.

The four persons who were found on the vessel, north of Suriname in international waters, have all been identified as Guyanese nationals.

Their names have been given as Mohammed Nazim Hosein, who was the captain of the vessel, Richard La Cruz, Mark Anthony Williams and Neville Jeffrey.

They are all expected to face US Federal drug trafficking charges in St. Croix, US Virigin Islands.

The Head of Guyana’s Customs Anti Narcotics Unit, James Singh, told News Source this morning that his agents are currently assisting with the international probe into the cocaine bust.

He said although there is do documented evidence available that points to the vessel being in Guyana recently, because of the involvement of Guyanese nationals, the local probe is necessary.

Mr. Singh said based on information and evidence presented to him, the fishing vessel, Lady Michelle, was last in Guyana in 2013.

He said so far, there is no trace of the vessel being in Guyana or leaving Guyana before the bust, but the local probe will continue.

The vessel was found in international waters, just 92 miles off the Coast of Suriname. The origin and destination of the vessel have not been made known by the US authorities who are heading the probe.

The Caribbean sea is used as a major drug transshipment point for cocaine from several South American countries and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The bust which took place on February 16, 2017, is being described as the largest in the region since 1999.  The cocaine was found in several large bales stashed on the vessel.

The US Coast Guard after effecting the bust, escorted the cocaine laden boat with the four Guyanese to St. Croix where they were handed over to US authorities. The cocaine carries a street value of over US$125 Million.

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