Police say they destroyed approximately 310,500 suspected cannabis plants and 440 pounds of dried cannabis during eradication exercises at Wiruni and Sandhills, Upper Berbice River, on Wednesday.
In a separate operation that day, a 46-year-old miner was arrested at Bartica after police allegedly found him with 463 grams of suspected cannabis.
According to a police release, ranks led by a gazetted officer conducted the Upper Berbice River exercises between 1.40 am and 7.10 pm on October 21.
They discovered seven cultivations covering approximately 28 acres across two open savannahs. The suspected cannabis plants ranged from one to six feet in height.
Seven makeshift camps and six drying sheds were also found, along with the dried cannabis.
Police said the plants, dried cannabis, camps and drying sheds, which they assigned a combined estimated value of $165.1 million, were destroyed by fire at the locations. No arrests were made.
Meanwhile, police in Region Seven said ranks acting on information went to a residence at Third Avenue, Bartica, during a patrol between 5.20 pm and 6.20 pm.
On seeing the ranks, the miner allegedly attempted to conceal a bulky transparent parcel in the back of his pants before removing it and handing it over.
Police said a search of the parcel in his presence revealed leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.
The man was arrested and taken to the Bartica Police Station, where the contents were weighed in his presence and lodged. He remains in custody.
Investigations into both matters are continuing.
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