Jan 12 - Governor And Chief Minister Thank RGP And Customs Marine Sections
His Excellency the Governor and the Chief Minister have personally thanked the Royal Gibraltar Police and HM Customs’ Marine Sections for their many recent successes. Last week alone, over 50 bales of cannabis resin with a combined street value of over £4,000,000 were recovered in two joint RGP/HM Customs operations.
The Governor and Chief Minister each gave a short address, before speaking more informally to the crews and their onshore coordinators.
The Governor said: ‘Your recent operations have been very testing but very successful.’
He also stressed the importance of co-operation and co-ordination between the RGP, HM Customs, the Royal Navy and their Spanish equivalents.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance he placed on the Marine Sections having the right equipment to undertake their dangerous work, especially at night.
“Cannabis poses considerable danger to the health and safety of the users themselves, their families, and our communities,” said the Chief Minister. “And I am determined to do all that is necessary to keep cannabis off the streets of our city.”
The crews then described conditions they often face on the water, such as RHIBs travelling without lights at up to 50 knots in pitch darkness.
“The smugglers will go to any lengths to get away and they will risk people’s lives to do so,” said one officer. Another stressed that the mere presence of RGP and Customs boats patrolling out on the water acts as a deterrent to keep smugglers out of BGTW.
The Governor and the Chief Minister also expressed their gratitude to the officers' families for the support they give to the men and women who undertake this dangerous work.
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