Anguilla police have destroyed over 200 pounds of cannabis plants and other prohibited substances seized during a nearly seven-year period.
The substances allocated for destruction had an estimated street value of US$928,154, equivalent to nearly EC$2.5 million.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force carried out the exercise at Windward Point on 12 November in collaboration with the Department of Health Protection.
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The total quantity seized since January 2020 was 111,397 grams (245.6lb), of which 18,582g (41lb) resulted in prosecutions. The total allocated for destruction was 92,815g (204.6lb)
A police press release said the force “remains committed to disrupting the illegal drug trade and preventing narcotics and other prohibited substances from reaching our communities”.
From 1 December 2024, a new government policy meant residents were no longer at risk of arrest for growing up to four cannabis plants or carrying up to 10 grammes on their person.
Use was limited to residential or private areas and strictly to adults aged 18 and over, while children remained bound by the Child Justice Act.
The law maintaining that cannabis is an illegal drug remained in place, but over the year, specified criminal sanctions were no longer enforced by the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
The pilot ended in December 2025, and police at the time told Anguilla Focus the force would be conducting a review “as to how it worked in an operational setting” for government consideration.
During a press conference in March, social development minister Shellya Rogers-Webster said the practice of not prosecuting possession of small quantities of cannabis would continue for the time being.
Meanwhile, police will continue to collect data and the government will work with the Drug Advisory Committee to determine the way forward.
Anyone with information can call police on 911, (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message, video or photo at secureaxa.com
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