By Makeida Antonio
Residents have been reminded of the law pertaining to the importation of cannabis-infused treats.
This reminder follows drug operations conducted by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) in conjunction with the Customs Department last week.
The joint operations resulted in the seizure of more than EC$500,000 worth of cannabis and other banned substances at the country’s two main ports of entry.
Despite certain attitudes towards the use of cannabis in society, Police PRO Inspector Frankie Thomas, highlighted the laws which make the importation of edibles illegal.
According to the Misuse of Drugs Act, “the importation and exportation of controlled drugs are hereby prohibited.”
The penalties for acting contrary to this law include a fine six times the value of the goods or not less than EC$20,000, whichever is greater, and one year imprisonment.
Similarly, on conviction or indictment, the court may determine the amount of the fine in addition to ten years imprisonment.
Thomas also told Observer that the RPFAB has a mechanism in place to ensure that cannabis treats do not make it into the hands of minors.
“The Narcotics Department also goes to schools and churches to have lectures educating youths on the dangers of controlled substances and what to look for,” Thomas stated in an interview.
On Friday, a barrel with two pounds of cannabis, 33 packs of cannabis-infused edible candy, and 295 cannabis cigarettes were discovered during a search at the Deep Water Harbour.
The items seized have an estimated street value of more than EC$18,000.
A similar operation was conducted at the Deep Water Harbour on Thursday, where 20 pounds of cannabis valued at EC$160,000 were discovered among food items.
Earlier last week, police confiscated 83.4 pounds of cannabis which hold a street value of EC$494,400.
Lawmen are currently investigating these matters.