A 23-year-old Canadian national has been arrested and charged in connection with the attempted importation of 26 pounds of cannabis into Antigua and Barbuda through V.C. Bird International Airport. According to Antigua.news, the suspect was intercepted on Saturday, March 21, during a joint drug interdiction operation conducted at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Officers from the Narcotics Department, the K-9 Unit, and the Customs Enforcement Unit collaborated on the operation that led to the arrest. During the search, officers were alerted to a silver suitcase belonging to Semand Vivan Shammo Aljndo, who had arrived in Antigua aboard Air Canada flight AC1832 from Toronto.
A search of the suitcase uncovered twenty-six vacuum-sealed packages containing cannabis. The packages were confiscated and Aljndo was taken into custody before being transported to Police Headquarters for further investigation.
The total weight of the seized substance was 26 pounds, with an estimated street value of $208,000 ECC. Aljndo is expected to face charges related to drug offences.
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda stated it is intensifying enforcement efforts at all entry points to combat the illegal importation and trafficking of controlled substances. The Police Administration reiterated that stringent measures are in place to deter and prosecute individuals engaged in drug-related activities.
Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking or other criminal activity is urged to contact the Narcotics Department or call the Crimestoppers anonymous hotline at 800-8477.
