LINDEN, Guyana — Police have arrested two men, including former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament and active party member Devin Sears, after more than 300 kilograms of cannabis were discovered in a minibus during a routine patrol near the Old Bamia Police Checkpoint on Monday night.
According to a police report, ranks on mobile patrol duty stopped a dark blue Toyota Hiace minibus, registration number BAJ 4486, around 8:41 p.m. on October 20. The vehicle, which is reportedly the property of the Region 10 Tourism Committee Inc., was driven by Sears, a 39-year-old educator and political activist from Mackenzie, Linden. His passenger, Albert Sandy, 69, a farmer from Tacama Waterfront, Upper Berbice River, was seated in the front passenger seat.
Police said Sears began acting suspiciously when stopped, “sweating profusely” and claiming he was “transporting tourism plants.” Officers instructed him to pull over for a search, during which they discovered 22 bulky black plastic bags and four large brown canvas bags filled with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
Both men were told of the offence, cautioned, and arrested. While Sears remained silent, Sandy reportedly admitted that the narcotics belonged to him, telling ranks that he had paid Sears to transport him and the items to Parika.
The men were taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, where the suspected narcotics were weighed in their presence and found to total 310.71 kilograms. They remain in custody as investigations continue.
The Alliance For Change (AFC) later issued a statement acknowledging reports of Sears’ arrest and the discovery of the large quantity of suspected marijuana. The Party noted that the other occupant of the vehicle had taken ownership of the narcotics, even as Sears continues to be held by police.
While confirming that Sears remains an active member of the AFC, the Party emphasized that all citizens are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.
“The AFC firmly believes in upholding the rule of law and due process and trusts that the relevant authorities will conduct a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation into the matter,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to integrity, accountability, and lawful conduct among its members, the AFC stressed that it “does not condone any act that contravenes the laws of Guyana or undermines public trust.”
The Party also urged the public and media to allow the judicial process to take its course and avoid speculation that could prejudice the investigation, while expressing support for Sears “as he faces the challenges before him.”