The Region Ten Tourism Committee Inc. (RTTC) has distanced itself from its Vice Chairman, Devin Sears, following a cannabis bust in Linden on Monday evening.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the RTTC noted that the former Member of Parliament has since tendered his resignation to the committee pending the investigation.
It stated that it had been made aware of issues involving its Vice Chairman in relation to the transportation of cannabis on 20 October, but said the committee was not involved.
“We unequivocally state that we have no association with the alleged actions of Mr. Sears. While Mr. Devin Sears is a member of the RTTC, his actions in this matter are personal and unrelated to the committee’s mission of promoting eco-tourism and regional development in Region 10,” the statement read.
The RTTC noted that it is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and promoting tourism in the region, adding that it will issue a further statement after consulting with members of the Guyana Police Force to gain a clearer understanding of the events that transpired.
“In the meantime, we urge the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigative process to proceed,” it said.
The former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarian, 39, was arrested along with Albert Sandy, a 69-year-old farmer, after 310.71 kilograms of cannabis were found in a minibus at Bamia, Linden.
The discovery was made at about 20:41 hrs during a mobile patrol “stop and search” operation near the Old Bamia Police Checkpoint, police said in a statement on Tuesday.
Officers intercepted a dark blue Toyota Hiace minibus (BAJ 4486) registered to the RTTC Inc., which Sears was driving. Sandy was in the front passenger seat.
According to police, Sears appeared nervous and claimed he was “transporting tourism plants.” A search of the vehicle uncovered 22 bulky black plastic bags and four large brown canvas bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
Police said Sandy admitted ownership of the narcotics and claimed he had paid Sears to transport him and the drugs to Parika.
The suspected cannabis was taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, where it was weighed in the presence of both men, confirming a total of 310.71 kilograms.
Both suspects remain in custody pending charges, police said.
