On February 14, 2019, the work of the SEACOP teams in Barbados resulted in the seizure of over 1 tonne of cannabis, estimated at $9 049 920 and 22.7 kilogrammes of cocaine estimated at $1 135 000. The drugs were found in a container originating from Trinidad and hidden in bales of waste paper. The container was first selected by the Maritime Intelligence Unit (MIU) and then examined by the Joint Maritime Control Unit (JMCU) who found the drugs. Investigation on the case is ongoing and several arrests are already been made.
This seizure illustrates a success of SEACOP’s work in Barbados yet not the first. In September 2018, the MIU and JMCU participated in an operation conducted by the Barbados Coast Guard, HM Customs Enforcement, the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Drug Squad and the Police Canine Unit, which resulted in the seizure of 148.8 kilogrammes of cannabis. The activities of SEACOP in the country started with initial trainings for MIUs and JMCUs in October 2015 and April 2016, respectively. Finally, Barbados and SEACOP signed a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2017.
