The discovery was reportedly made the day after the ship docked in Barbados for participation in ‘Exercise Tradewinds’.

Three members of the GDF Coast Guard, a Lance Corporal and two ordinary ratings (ORs) are in detention assisting with the probe in relation to the unearthing of the prohibited substance.

The Lance Corporal, who was not a part of the participating contingent, was spotted by some crew members trying to sneak aboard the vessel, by way of the sea.

The rank, who is considered to be absent without leave (AWOL) during the period, reportedly flew to Barbados, booked into a popular hotel by the sea and awaited the arrival of the vessel.

According to a source, following his detention, the Lance Corporal named his accomplices who included the other two Coast Guard sailors who were part of the crew and a Rastafarian resident of Kitty.

The latter is said to have paid the Lance Corporal’s fare to Barbados and booked him into the hotel.

Sources told the Chronicle that the implicated rank was among the crew who were flown to England following the acquisition of the GDFS Essequibo and sailed with it on its maiden trip here.

The vessel with seven officers and 33 ratings under the command of Lieutenant Commander Floyd Levi was recalled from the exercise after the officer-in-charge notified the Defence Board of the discovery.

The directors of the exercise and other authorities were also notified about the developments which led to the recall of the vessel.