GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC) – Four Guyanese nationals were among six people arrested following the discovery of 6.3 tonnes of cocaine aboard a Guyana-flagged vessel operating off the West African coast during an operation coordinated with French authorities.

A statement from the Guyanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the detention of the four, along with a Colombian and a Dominican who were on board the vessel.

French authorities were granted authorisation on Saturday to board the vessel, ‘Solo’ in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Guyanese Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU).

A search of the Solo led to the discovery of the illegal drugs, which were packaged in bales.

“Investigations are actively underway,” Guyana’s Ministry of Home Affairs said.

It also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the fight against transnational organised crime, particularly narcotics trafficking