Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) vessel
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Tuesday September 9, 2014, CMC – The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) says it has questioned seven people in connection with the discovery of a Self-Propelled Semi-Submersible (SPSS) vessel last month.
“These semi-submersible vessels are built for one reason and one reason only and that is to transport drugs, mainly cocaine. This vessel was more than like going to Europe or Africa not the US…the camp itself has been there for at least five months based on the materials found,” said CANU head, James Singh.
Singh gave no further details about those brought in for questioning, but the authorities believe that the vessel, discovered hidden in a swamp in the Waini River, North West District, was constructed here, given that the odometer reading indicated that the vessel travelled for only three hours.
“This is based on us sharing information with experts, persons who have seized vessels like this before… this now moves us beyond just trans-shipment,” Singh said.
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Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said the SPSS which is now stored at the Coast Guard Base in Ruimveldt underscores the difficulties law enforcement authorities have in dealing with the illegal drugs trade.
He said that the SPSS is similar to those used by drug smugglers in Latin America and that at the request of the government, experts from the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are assisting local law enforcement officials in their investigations.
“Drug traffickers use rivers, waterways and territorial sea very frequently to conduct their nefarious activities…we hope that this kind of work will continue on the part of the law enforcement agencies with the help of the GDF (Guyana Defence Force),” he added.
Members of the Task Force on Narcotic Drugs and Illegal Firearms recently completed the final draft of the country’s new National Drug Strategy Master Plan which has since been presented to the Cabinet for its approval.
This plan outlines the strategic, tactical and institutional objectives of the Government for the 2013-2017 period with regards to the fight against drug trafficking.
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Guyana authorities question several following discovery of semi-submersible vessel
