By Ariana Gordon

THE United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officially opened its doors in Guyana on Wednesday amid calls for this country to forge alliances and strengthen international collaboration as the anti-drug agency alone cannot deal with the narco-trafficking problem here. Guyana over the years had been described as a transshipment point for cocaine destined to Africa, Europe and other Western countries. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan said the

presence of a DEA office in Guyana has many benefits and will see a number of persons within the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the judiciary being trained overseas.
“It is important that we all do this together,” the Minister stated as he reiterated the needed for all stakeholders to work as a team. “There is so much crime and violence in our society today…as a result largely of drugs. It is important for us knowing that and being science-based on how we are going to counter crime and violence,” The minister stated. According to him, the DEA office will be a significant asset to the law enforcement agencies here as much ancillary information would also be passed on. “It will be of tremendous help to Guyana,” Ramjattan noted.
The Public Security Minister believes that the “mere presence of this unit will have a deterring effect” on drug related crimes. He said while the DEA staff has no police powers their presence indicates the importance of their role here. “This country loses a huge amount of money due to laundering and smuggling…you have a friend in this administration and country,” Ramjattan said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway in brief remarks noted the significance of having the DEA’s presence in Guyana. He said while the DEA has no arresting powers, it will advise and assist the Government of Guyana. There will be lots of information sharing, he remarked. “The DEA here does not have arrest authorities, they are not going to be kicking down doors, they are not going to be dragging people into their cars, it is not a show of cops. They are here to advise and assist, their primary focus is on cases that have a U.S. nexus, cases that have something to do with a crime that is happening or will happen in the US.”
He said the opening of the D.E.A. office here represents a historic moment but noted that the DEA presence here “is not going to change things overnight. “…the bad guys are well funded, they are smart, they are motivated and unfortunately they do not play by the rules unfortunately.” The DEA he added works with host nation law enforcement on very complicated cases involving financial crimes, smuggling, tax evasion and as such “one shouldn’t expect results overnight.” Ambassador Holloway said within the next few months and even years, fruits will be yielded. “Give them time to get the job done,” he said. The launch of the office saw a large contingent of invites from the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit, and the Judiciary present. The DEA office is being housed within the U.S Embassy complex, Kingston.