By NAN Staff Writer
News Americas, PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Mon. Dec. 6, 2021: A senior Suriname military official has been detained after more than 500 kilograms of cocaine was allegedly found in his possession following a vehicle chase on Saturday night, law enforcement authorities have confirmed.
Reports indicate that the 56-year-old army officer, identified only as Steven J., was arrested by members of the Regional Assistance Team Midden (RBTM) with 516 kilograms of cocaine, as well as undisclosed amount of local, United States and Euro currencies.
Suriname officials said that the arrest happened near the checkpoint at Pikin Saron in Para district, north of the capital and that the suspect driven up from the Goliath area. He was ordered to stop, but accelerated the vehicle, after which a pursuit ensued with the RBTM team managing to detain him after jamming his vehicle. The search of the vehicle later revealed 15 burlap sacks containing the alleged drugs.
The RBTM said that after it was discovered that he was an army officer, he was handed over to the Military Police.
