Two arrested: Ex-APNU MP’s “tourism plants” turn out to be 310 kg of cannabis

Police in Guyana have arrested former APNU parliamentarian Devin Sears, 39, and Albert Sandy, a 69-year-old farmer, after 310.71 kilograms of cannabis were found in a minibus at Bamia, Linden, late Monday, authorities said.

The discovery was made at about 20:41 hrs (local time) during a mobile patrol “stop and search” operation near the Old Bamia Police Checkpoint, police said in a statement on Tuesday.

Officers intercepted a dark blue Toyota Hiace minibus (BAJ 4486) registered to the Region 10 Tourism Committee Inc., which Sears was driving. Sandy was in the front passenger seat.

According to police, Sears appeared nervous and claimed he was “transporting tourism plants.” A search of the vehicle uncovered 22 bulky black plastic bags and four large brown canvas bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Both men were arrested and informed of the offence. Police said Sandy admitted ownership of the narcotics and claimed he had paid Sears to transport him and the drugs to Parika.

The suspected cannabis was taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, where it was weighed in the presence of both men, confirming a total of 310.71 kilograms.

Both suspects remain in custody pending charges, police said.