分类： world

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — A 19-year-old British national has been remanded into custody in St. Vincent and the Grenadines after pleading guilty to multiple cocaine-related charges at the Serious Offences Court on Thursday. Warren Lee Davies, a farmer from South Wales, England, was arrested at Argyle International Airport on March 18 after aviation security discovered 2.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed within his luggage.

The court heard that police had been alerted to Davies’ arrival and placed him under surveillance. During a security screening, he initially refused to open his red-and-black carry-on suitcase. Authorities subsequently used a bolt-cutter to access the bag, revealing three taped packages containing a white powdery substance later confirmed as cocaine, alongside four jerseys.

Davies was formally charged with possession with intent to supply, attempting to export cocaine, and possession for the purpose of trafficking. The narcotics division weighed the substance in his presence, confirming it totaled 2,500 grams with an estimated street value between EC$62,500 and EC$75,000 (approximately US$23,000–US$28,000).

In mitigation, defense attorney Grant Connell emphasized his client’s immediate guilty plea, lack of prior convictions, and status as a young father. Connell argued for a suspended sentence and fine, citing the high cost of incarceration. He provocatively questioned the burden on the state, noting, “He is England’s problem, not ours.”

However, Chief Magistrate Colin John rejected the suspended sentence as impractical for a non-national. Prosecutor Renrick Cato supported a custodial sentence. The court ultimately imposed financial penalties: a fine of EC$20,000 (or one year imprisonment) for attempting to export cocaine, with identical fines and alternative prison terms for the other charges. Davies, unable to pay the total EC$60,000 fine, was remanded to prison with the possibility of release upon payment.

MEXICO CITY—A multinational search operation is underway in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean waters as the Mexican Navy coordinates efforts to locate two humanitarian sailboats that vanished during a mission to deliver critical aid to Cuba. The vessels, carrying nine international crew members, departed from Isla Mujeres on March 20 but lost communication shortly after beginning their voyage.

The missing sailboats belong to the Our America Convoy initiative, which has been transporting approximately 50 tonnes of essential supplies including medical equipment, food provisions, and solar energy panels to address Cuba’s escalating economic and energy crises. The humanitarian effort comes as Cuba faces severe fuel shortages exacerbated by U.S. sanctions implemented under the Trump administration in January, which effectively created an oil blockade against the island nation.

Mexican naval authorities confirmed they have activated search protocols and deployed aerial surveillance assets along the planned route to Havana. The navy is maintaining real-time coordination with international rescue agencies from Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States, while also consulting with diplomatic representatives from the crew members’ countries of origin.

A third vessel in the convoy—a converted fishing boat that departed Mexico simultaneously—successfully reached Cuban shores on Tuesday despite encountering adverse weather conditions and technical challenges. However, the two sailboats failed to arrive within their expected Tuesday-Wednesday window, prompting concerns among Cuban officials and humanitarian organizers.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed official concern regarding the missing vessels, affirming that Cuban authorities are “doing everything possible” to support search operations. Convoy representatives noted that both sailboats were equipped with appropriate safety systems and were crewed by experienced sailors, maintaining confidence in their ability to reach Havana safely despite the concerning delay.

The incident highlights both the humanitarian challenges facing Cuba and the complexities of international aid delivery amid geopolitical tensions. The island has experienced seven nationwide blackouts since the beginning of 2024, including two major outages occurring just last week, intensifying the need for alternative energy solutions like the solar panels being transported by the convoy.

HAVANA, Cuba—Two humanitarian vessels previously reported missing en route to Cuba have successfully completed their journey, according to a Friday announcement from the US Coast Guard. The sailboats, which departed from Isla Mujeres in southeastern Mexico on March 20th carrying nine crew members, had prompted search operations after communication was lost during their transit.

The Mexican Navy initiated extensive search and rescue efforts Thursday upon losing contact with the vessels. While not directly participating in the mission, the US Coast Guard confirmed receiving notification at 10:36 AM local time (1436 GMT) that both boats had “safely transited to Cuba.”

These vessels form part of the international ‘Our America Convoy to Cuba’ initiative, which has delivered approximately 50 tonnes of critical supplies including medical equipment, food provisions, and solar panels. This humanitarian effort comes as Cuba faces severe energy shortages and economic challenges exacerbated by US sanctions.

Earlier this week, a converted fishing boat carrying additional aid arrived in Havana after encountering navigational delays caused by adverse weather conditions and technical issues. This vessel received partial escort assistance from the Mexican Navy during its journey.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel had expressed concern about the missing boats, assuring that authorities were “doing everything possible” to support search operations. Organizers from the aid convoy had maintained confidence in the experienced crew’s capabilities, noting both vessels were equipped with appropriate safety and signaling systems.

The Mexican Navy had coordinated with rescue agencies from Poland, France, Cuba, and the United States during the search operation, which included aerial surveillance along the Isla Mujeres-Havana route.

In related developments, a Mexican Navy ship delivered 111 tonnes of food and donations to Havana on Friday, marking Mexico’s fourth aid shipment totaling over 3,000 tonnes. Notably, Mexico has not resumed oil deliveries to Cuba since the Trump administration imposed a de facto oil blockade in January following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, whose government had been Cuba’s primary fuel source. The current US administration has further threatened tariffs on countries shipping oil to Cuba.

Cuba’s energy infrastructure has struggled significantly, experiencing seven nationwide blackouts since the beginning of 2024, including two major incidents last week alone.