An operation conducted in the Falmouth area by the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) on Friday 21st February 2014, resulted in the arrest of 43yr old Wayne Hewlett, 28yr old Keyon Hamilton both Antiguans and Junior Rivera Herrera of the Dominican Republic, after 1.10 kilos of cocaine was discovered in a dwelling home occupied by the trio. Additional investigations are ongoing.

Also seized were the following:- 1 package of cocaine, 2 packages of cannabis, 1 package of crack cocaine and 28 Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills, which were discovered in a vehicle driven by Hamilton.

The trio have been charged with the following offences; Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Transfer, Being Concerned in the Supply of Cocaine and Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine. Hamilton was additionally charged with Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills, Possession of Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills with Intent to Sell, Possession of Cannabis. They will be arraigned in the Magistrate’s court on Monday 24th February, 2014.

 Director Croft expresses concern about the discovery of this class of drugs on the streets and wishes to warn the public of this pill which can be very addictive. This drug is considered in the class of opioids which have similar properties to opium from which they are derived.

Research indicates that Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills are opioid pain medication pills which are used to treat moderate to severe pain and are sold by prescription only. Respiratory depression, including fatal cases, may occur with use of Oxycodone, even when the drug has been used as recommended and not misused or abused. The tablets when taken broken or chewed, release the drug too rapidly and because Oxycodene is rapidly adsorbed, high concentrated levels will be present in the body which can lead to death. Serious adverse reactions which may occur with Oxycodene are similar to those observed with other opioid analgesics; they include respiratory depression, apnea (stopped breathing), respiratory arrest, circulatory depression, hypotension (low blood pressure), shock, and death. This opioid is often the drug of choice for addictive use and can easily lead to dependency. Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with oxycodone.