$92.4M cocaine, $20.5M cannabis seized in January – CANU

The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) in January seized 161.09 kg of narcotics, which included 92.46 kg of Cocaine, 68.39 kg of Cannabis, 229g of ecstasy, and 84g of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine.

According to CANU, the Cocaine has a Guyana street value of $92,456,600 and a USA street value of US$2,773,698. Meanwhile, the cannabis has a Guyana street value of $20,517,750 with a USA value of US$102,558.75.

The law enforcement agency noted that the seizures came from eleven intelligence-led operations across multiple regions with region two accounting for majority of the drugs seized.

These operations led to the arrest of eighteen (18) individuals, the laying of twelve (12) narcotics-related charges, and the securing of three (3) convictions.

“The outcomes reflect sustained enforcement pressure on trafficking networks operating along roadways, border corridors, residential areas, and international entry points,” the agency said.

“Road transport remains the primary method of trafficking. Airport interdictions, while lower in volume, are operationally significant given their implications for international trafficking,” it added.

In addition to illicit narcotics, CANU reported the recovery of two (2) firearms, and the confiscation of one hundred and thirty-seven (137) rounds of ammunition.

January’s results confirm that intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency cooperation, and sustained border vigilance remain critical to disrupting trafficking networks, the agency said, adding that continued emphasis will be placed on: roadway and border corridor interdictions, monitoring emerging synthetic drug threats, and strengthening intelligence fusion and analytical capacity.

“The outcomes recorded during January reflect the Unit’s continued commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, inter-agency cooperation, and proactive disruption of narcotics trafficking and associated criminal activity. The removal of illicit drugs, firearms, and ammunition from circulation directly reduces risk to communities and reinforces national efforts to safeguard public safety,” CANU noted.

As the year progresses, the Unit said it remains focused on strengthening operational capacity, enhancing information-sharing with national and international partners, and engaging the public as a critical partner in crime prevention. Through sustained vigilance, professionalism, and accountability, the Unit will continue to work to reduce the availability of illicit drugs and protect communities across Guyana.