One week after local authorities made a brief social media post regarding a major cocaine bust in the Grenadines, official details surrounding the operation remain undisclosed.
Despite the absence of formal police press releases, it is understood that the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard intercepted a yacht named M.V Essex Girl off Jambus beach, Canouan Island. The vessel was reportedly carrying an estimated 80 to 90 pounds of cocaine.
The intercepted yacht had reportedly been on a voyage to the Grenadines when it suffered mechanical trouble and drifted into the area.
Sources indicate that following the mechanical issues, the illicit drugs were initially offloaded from the vessel and taken to a specific location while repairs were conducted. Once the repairs were completed, the drugs were reloaded back onto the yacht.
Upon receiving information regarding the activity, local law enforcement authorities dispatched Coast Guard officers, who intercepted the Essex Girl as it was attempting to head back out to sea. Reports are mixed at this time, with some reporting four non-nationals, specifically two Venezuelans and two Trinidadians, while some reports say one Vincentian and four Trinidadians, were detained by law enforcement.
The Public Relations and Complaints Department has yet to distribute an official statement to media outlets. The lack of official clarification has fueled growing questions regarding the exact quantity of the drugs, their estimated street value, the precise location of the bust, and the nationalities of those detained.