Police begin destruction of tonnes of seized narcotics

The Barbados Police Service has begun a multi-day operation to destroy nearly 3.5 tons of confiscated narcotics, in what is the force’s first major drug disposal exercise of the year.

As the destruction exercise began on Friday morning, police spokesman PC Damian Farmer said: “We will be destroying 3 490 kilograms of narcotics, which include cannabis, cocaine, and other opioids with an estimated street value of $56m.”

Police began the destruction of 3.5 tonnes of illicit drugs. Here is the first batch of drugs which officers say have been seized and adjudicated in the courts. (Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts)

The substantial haul represents months of extensive investigative work and joint interdiction efforts by local security forces.

Officials confirmed that the illicit materials slated for destruction were gathered through various channels, including proactive police investigations, routine maritime and border seizures, and completed legal proceedings.

To ensure strict compliance, accountability and safety during the high-value disposal process, the exercise was conducted under scrutiny by senior police leadership and multiple agencies.

PC Farmer said: “The process this morning is supervised by Senior Superintendent Derek Bobb, and he has with him other members of the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Defense Force, as well as personnel from the Barbados government forensics lab. 

The inclusion of the forensic laboratory was to verify the substances before they were incinerated or otherwise destroyed, while an armed escort from the Barbados Defense Force provided security.

The destruction exercise is expected to continue through the end of the week. 

Up In Smoke! Police destroyed over 50 million Barbados dollars worth of illegal drugs in what was the first in a series of destruction of drugs exercise. (Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts)

The authorities emphasized that operations of this magnitude were vital for permanently removing dangerous substances from the streets and preventing seized contraband from re-entering circulation.

(RR)