A coordinated law enforcement operation at V.C. Bird International Airport resulted in the arrest of an American citizen for narcotics violations on Saturday, March 7th. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Fady Aziz Saloum from the United States, was apprehended during a multi-agency initiative involving the Narcotics Department, K-9 Unit, and Customs Enforcement Unit.
The operation unfolded at approximately 4:30 p.m. when a trained detection canine alerted officers to a black suitcase belonging to Saloum, who had arrived in Antigua aboard United Airlines Flight 2020 originating from Pennsylvania. A subsequent search of the luggage revealed twenty-three individually wrapped cannabis joints and one blue zip-lock bag containing vegetable matter consistent with the appearance of marijuana.
Law enforcement officials confiscated the substances and transported both the evidence and suspect to Police Headquarters for detailed investigation. The seized materials were later weighed and quantified as fifty-six grams of cannabis, with an estimated street value of EC$560.00.
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has emphasized its ongoing commitment to enhancing drug interdiction capabilities at all points of entry. Authorities reiterated that the importation and possession of controlled substances constitute serious criminal offenses under the nation’s legal framework, warning travelers of stringent enforcement measures.