The sister isles have been rocked by the news and images where three youngmen were among five to have been napped by Martinique and other regional drug surveillance mechanism and could now be facing consequences of enormous portions in a Martinique jail.
According to a report from the French media the wooden Vessel MV Comment was on its way to Dominica via St Vincent and the Grendines from Carriacou when it was interrecpted about some 25 kilometers to the North west of Martinique.
The white and orange vessel was reportedly captained by Neil Hayling. Also onboard were, Roy Ackie and Devon Emmons . Hayling and Emmons are from the Community of Beasejour while Ackie is from the adjacent, Hillsborough. The other two were said to be a Dominican and a Vincentian.
“The Caribbean antenna of the OCRTIS (Interregional Direction of the judicial police French West Indies and French Guiana), in partnership with police services in Saint Vincent, Saint Lucia and the National Crime Agency (UK), the sending of a very large quantity of cannabis herb to destination of the Caribbean market by (local fishing vessel) at the departure of Saint Vincent”. Said a french media.
The incident the reported stated on Wednesday April 6tth. It noted that the several bags of the cannabis amounted to 133 Kilos of the highest grade. It is said to have a street value of
The report pointed out that the boat was closely monitored from the time it departed St Vincent and the Grenadines . They boat reportedly cleared out from Carriacou.
“ A plane commissioned to relocate the Target quickly confirmed the presence of a boat with 5 people on board and carrying a significant number of bundles of products narcotic drugs. The star of the coastguards from Pointe-to -Pitre Pitera”” and two semi-rigid rapids of Martinique based at Marine and Fort de France, “tarpon and Macouba”, supported by the helicopter, intercepted the vessel”. The report noted.
The online video of the alleged vessel also showed the men throwing out white bags from the fast moving vessel. One man can be seen in a yellow Coat.
“In the course of the interception, the 5 passengers have rejected to the sea many of the bundles.”
“These bales contained the grass of cannabis.”
“ On the instructions of the Prosecutor of the Republic of Fort de France, judicial investigations have been entrusted to the antenna OCRTIS Caribbean. The five put in question originating in Saint Vincent, Grenada and Dominica, have been placed in custody at Fort de France”. It further stated.
In the images one can see an officer aboard the MV Comment standing at the back of the one of the men who seems to be in a kneeling position with his hands above his head. Following the throwing of items into the sea there is a clear vision of a white bag floating in the vicinity where the item fell.
A local Police stated that Prison terms in Martinique for persons found guilty of drug offences can be extremely tuff and severe. They jails are reported to be underground. Reports are that the five men were due to have their first court hearing on Tuesday.