Discrepancies in audited drug report

Discrepancies in an audit report on exactly how much cocaine was discovered washed up along the eastern coasts and Moruga for the past two weeks, has resulted in the report being shelved temporarily. Sources revealed yesterday that although one audited report revealed a certain weight and street value of the cocaine found, some senior officers feel that it does not reflect the true amount of cocaine handed over to the police. The officers added that certain guidelines were supposed to be followed during an audit of the drugs handed over or found by the police. In one instance, two officers attached to the office of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad claimed that they acted on a tip-off and went to Mayaro two weeks ago where they found 15 kilos of cocaine.

The cocaine was handed over to the Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit. Members of the public who found cocaine also handed over the drugs to the police. In other instances, the drugs were found washed up on the eastern coast and Moruga. Ag Police Commissioner Trevor Paul said yesterday that he has not yet received the report on the amount of cocaine washed up along eastern coasts and Moruga during the past two weeks. The Ag Commissioner told Sunday Newsday that the report should have been handed in on Friday but it was not. He admitted that a problem existed which resulted in the report not being handed in, but Paul said he could not divulge what the problem was. However, officers of the Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit said yesterday that the report will be handed in on Tuesday. On Friday, heavily armed police officers moved packages of the cocaine to their Richmond Street office. The cocaine which was found in Manzanilla, Toco, Mayaro, Moruga and Guyaguayare has an estimated street value of $71 million. The Spanish markings on the crocus bags which contained the cocaine were photographed and sent to the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Guardia Nacional. The drugs are believed to have originated in Venezuela.