Four men are in custody after police seized more than 500 cannabis plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana from an illegal plantation near Pares Village on Thursday.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Frankie Thomas said the operation targeted growers who did not possess the licences required for medicinal or sacramental cannabis cultivation. He noted that while Antigua and Barbuda allows limited personal possession and cultivation, the scale of the operation far exceeded legal limits.

A joint law enforcement team, including the police, Customs, Immigration and other specialised units, conducted the raid shortly after 10 a.m. The cannabis plants and marijuana will be destroyed after the investigation is completed.

Thomas said charges will be brought where appropriate and reaffirmed law enforcement’s commitment to removing illegal drugs from communities and protecting public safety.