Investigators are probing whether the New Cut Channel and the Godineau River are being used by drug smugglers after a seizing over a million dollars worth of drugs and guns at the scene of an accident yesterday.
A 38-year-old man from Valsayn and a 32-year-old San Juan man were warded at the San Fernando General Hospital up to late yesterday under police guard following the incident.
Police said around 4.20 am yesterday, the men were driving along Pluck Road, La Romaine, in a white Nissan X-Trail SUV. On nearing the intersection of the M2 Ring Road, the Valsayn man lost control of the SUV and crashed into the drain.
Officers from the San Fernando station and the La Romaine police poast, led by Insp Persad, PC Boodhai, PC Ramoutar, WPC Duntin and PC Kanhai, responded. When the officers arrived at the scene, the men were still in the SUV suffering from injuries.
However, when the officers attempted to assist the men they noticed they were acting suspiciously. The officers searched the SUV and in the back seat and luggage compartment allegedly found several crocus bags containing 184 packets of marijuana, 500 grammes of cocaine and three Glock pistols.
The men were subsequently taken to the hospital where they were kept under police guard. Investigators said they had not yet weighed the drugs, but estimated the seizure was worth over $1 million.
They were also awaiting clearance from hospital staff to interview the suspects.
It is suspected the men had just picked up the drugs from a boat that came into the Gulf of Paria near the Mosquito Creek and passed through the Godineau River and New Cut Channel to make a delivery in Woodland. However, the theory is yet to be proven.