HEAD OF THE Police Force’s Drug Unit, Superintendent Grafton?Phillips, says Barbados’ consumption of marijuana seems to be on a high.
Phillips made the comment as he disclosed that the law enforcement agency seized more than twice the amount of ganja last year when compared to 2009.
More than 22 208 pounds of marijuana were seized in 2010 in comparison to 8 993 the previous year.
“My major concern is the level of consumption among our people. It clearly shows a lot of Barbadians are using the drug,” he told the DAILY NATION yesterday.
Phillips contended there was no evidence to suggest that the drugs seized in Barbados were destined for the overseas market.
He also expressed concern about an increase in locally grown marijuana, particularly in the rural and remote sections of the island.
“Most of the plants are in bushy areas and we are discovering some growing as much as ten feet tall.
“The planting is being done in areas that you would never expect and you have to go through a lot of bushy and rough terrain to reach their locations,” Phillips said.
The senior cop said that in addition to intelligence gathering by law enforcement personnel, the public also contributed to their success in pinpointing ganja fields.
Last Sunday, more than 70 officers attached to the Drug Squad, Anti-gun Unit, Regional Security System (RSS) and the Barbados Defence Force seized 2 092 plants from several spots on the island.
Some of the areas where the marijuana plants were found included Bath Village, Colleton, College Land, Welch and Pot House in St John, Middleton and Redland in St George and Bushy Park in St Joseph.
One person, 32-year-old Edwin Dale Victor of Pothouse, was arrested and charged in connection with the cultivation of over 26 four-foot plants at his address.
That operation included the use of the RSS?surveillance aircraft.
