Assistant Superintendent of Police Frankie Thomas says police will continue targeting illegal cannabis cultivation despite Antigua and Barbuda’s decriminalisation laws, following a major raid near Pares Village on Thursday.

The operation led to the seizure of more than 500 cannabis plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana. Four men were arrested and remain in custody.

Thomas said the cultivation far exceeded the legal limit of four plants per person and did not fall under the medicinal or sacramental licences required for larger-scale production.

“Clearly, what is happening here none of these fall within this category,” he said, adding that those involved did not possess the necessary licences.

The raid involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the police, Customs, Immigration and the K-9 Unit. Thomas said authorities will continue to enforce the country’s drug laws and pursue illegal cannabis operations.