20 packages of cannabis slip through Argyle International
An investigation is underway at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) to determine how luggage containing 20 packages of cannabis passed through that airport without an alert being raised.
The cannabis was intercepted on Wednesday, November 15, at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, where members of the Drug Squad arrested and charged a Vincentian national with a number of drug related offences.
On Wednesday, SEARCHLIGHT contacted Keith Miller, head of security at the AIA, as well as Tabia Matthews, marketing/public relations officer, about the incident.
Neither official was willing to comment, and promises to return our calls were not kept up to press time yesterday.
SEARCHLIGHT has, however, been reliably informed that investigations have already led to the dismissal of one employee of the AIA.
The Vincentian who was detained in Barbados is Akil Xavin Jovanni John, 25, who was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis, unlawful possession with intent to supply, trafficking and importation.
John was questioned by members of the Drug Squad shortly after his arrival in Barbados, then handed over to Customs, where a search of his Pullman duffel bag revealed the 20 packages of marijuana.
He appeared before magistrate Elwood Watts in the Oistins Magistratesâ Court on Thursday, November 16, where he pleaded guilty to the offences.
John was fined $15,000 forthwith, or two years
in prison for the offence of importation of cannabis, but was convicted, reprimanded and discharged for the other offences.
Since the opening of the AIA on February 14 this year, some persons have complained about the stringent security measures that have seen a number of items being confiscated from luggage, particularly the overproof Sunset Strong Rum.
At a press briefing in July, AIA officials implored passengers and Vincentians to have trust and confidence in the security infrastructure and personnel at the international airport.
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