Cops Make Oxycodone Bust in Spanish Lookout; More Tablets Seized in San Pedro
Police made two separate drug busts. The first seizure was made about a week ago in a warehouse in San Pedro but the contents of the packets were tablets and they have been sent for testing so the type of drug remains unknown. And just this week, police made a second bust of tablets, this time in Spanish Lookout. The pills have since been identified an opioid medication used to relieve moderate and severe pain called Oxycodone. While commonly used for pain relief, the misuse or abuse of prescription opiates like these can lead to an addiction. Now, it is not clear what the intended purpose of the medication was or where the package originated and was headed to, but police say they are investigating it. They are also yet to determine if there is a connection between the two busts. Three persons found in the vicinity of the Spanish Lookout bust have been arrested and charged. ACP Joseph Myvett explains.
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
“They came across a taxi with three occupants and upon conducting searches within the taxi nothing illegal was found. However, a search of the immediate area resulted in the discovery of a knapsack which contained a substantial amount of tablets which were seized and taken to the lab where testing resulted to be Oxycodone. Police have since arrested and charged three persons for the possession with the intent to supply of the Oxycodone amounting to eight thousand four hundred and sixty one grams. The persons arrested are Sofia Sorto, twenty-five-years Honduran national; Justin Toralla and Ricardo Chanek, both residents of Benque Viejo.”
Reporter
“Have police been able to determine or experts provided you with a possible street value of this particular drug?”
Joseph Myvett
ACP Joseph Myvett
“No. Not as yet. This investigation is still ongoing. These persons were charged and appeared before the court today where they were remanded into custody. Also, San Pedro police had a similar discovery of tablets on Friday, July sixth, which was found at a warehouse in San Pedro. Those tablets amounted to eight hundred and ninety six grams for which there is an ongoing investigation. Those are in the process of also being tested today.”
Reporter
“Do your investigators believe there may be some nexus between what was found in Spanish Lookout and San Pedro?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“We are looking at that possibility at this point in time.”
Reporter
“Sir, is it a concern for your investigators that since these drugs were found nearby and not in the direct possession of these persons arrested and charged, that the case may need strengthening?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“Well, the police are working towards that and the law does provide for those within the immediate vicinity of drugs found deemed to be in possession.”
Reporter
“How close are you able to say was the discovery of the drugs and these persons?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“It was a short distance away, according to the report provided by the officers.”
Reporter
“Any idea where this was headed to?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“No. None at all.”
Andrea Polanco
“Sir, any indication of where it originated from? Is there a supplier who brings that into country?”
ACP Joseph Myvett
“Not that we know of. We are following on these investigations and several leads towards this investigation.”
