Law enforcement teams in Antigua and Barbuda have successfully intercepted a large shipment of cannabis at the country’s primary air gateway, marking a major win for regional drug interdiction efforts.
In a formal media statement released Friday, 21 August 2026, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s Office of Strategic Communications confirmed that the seizure was carried out during a collaborative operation between the Police Narcotics Department and the national Customs Enforcement Unit. The bust unfolded around 3:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, 20 August, when officers targeted cargo held at the V.C. Bird International Airport’s on-site cargo shed, where incoming and outgoing freight is processed and inspected.
Following the initial interception of suspicious packages, the contraband was moved securely to Police Headquarters in St. John’s for formal processing and weighing. Officials confirmed that the seized cannabis totals approximately 22 pounds, with an estimated street value of 132,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars.
As of the latest update, no arrests have been announced in connection with the shipment. Law enforcement officials note that the investigation into the origin of the cannabis, its intended recipient, and any potential associated criminal networks remains active and ongoing.
The seizure highlights the continued focus of Antigua and Barbuda’s security agencies on cracking down on illicit drug trafficking through the country’s main ports of entry, a priority that protects local communities from the harms of illegal drug trade and supports regional security cooperation.