COPS PROBE CHINESE LINK TO METH TRADE

THE Police Service is investigating whether there is a Chinese trafficking ring with respect to the addictive methamphetamine drug.

Officers are probing several leads following the arrest of a Chinese national, allegedly with 540 grams of the drug and a meth laboratory.

Hong Fei Wi, 24, was arrested following the execution of a search warrant at The Residences, off San Fernando.

He is currently on $100,000 bail.

Police sources say there have been various reports over time of trade in the addictive recreational drug, which impacts the central nervous system.

They said the leads point to certain people of Chinese nationality.

The police declined to state whether other arrests are imminent.

Barbados’ Home Affairs and Information Minister Wilfred Abrahams recently confirmed that there was meth on that island, adding that this is “a serious matter” and of concern to the authorities.

International reports have revealed an increase in the trafficking of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl and precursors.

In June, the United States Justice Department announced the arrests of two individuals and unsealing of three indictments charging Chinese-based companies for crimes related to the production, distribution, and sales of fentanyl.

Before the arrests, the Drug Enforcement Agency seized fentanyl-related precursor chemicals so large they could kill around 25 million people.

Three years ago, China placed the entire class of synthetic drugs under a controlled regulatory regime, but the United States authorities have accused the Asian country of insufficient counter-narcotic support.

The Americans state that meth and other potent drugs are being shipped from China through various routes.

Apart from meth, the US is also concerned about opioids, which are painkillers and anti-depressants.

A report two months ago by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said that synthetic drugs are being diversified and shipped by criminal groups and poor people with little employable skills.

Myanmar is reportedly a production hub, and along with Thailand, is a major transshipment route, according to the UN agency.

UNODC said the traffickers have learned how to “anticipate, adapt and try to circumvent” law enforcement.

Small trawler boats are often used.

The agency said the trade is showing no signs of slowing down.

The UNODC had previously stated that the Caribbean is a drug transshipment but there were no known links to any direct meth trafficking.

Arrests of people with Chinese links have been made in Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, and other countries.

British Broadcasting Corporation recently reported that “super labs” were being developed, especially in Myanmar.  

Meth is often used as a stimulant to increase physical activity and wakefulness, and to decrease appetite, but could lead to serious cardiovascular problems.

The drug usually comes in two forms.

They are pills known as yaba, and crystals, called ice.

Criminologist Dr. Randy Seepersad said that it is likely there are more meth labs in T&T.

“It is very troubling,” Seepersad told the daily media, “because it means if people are manufacturing it, it would get into the environment, youths will start to use it, some may become addicted, and that’s where the danger comes in.’

He said the demand for the drug could lead to a supply chain.