DESPITE the challenges to fight drug trafficking here, the United States Government said the Government of Guyana has demonstrated political will to combat the scourge throughout the country.

In its 2019 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Washington said that, during the first nine months of 2018, authorities seized 164.9 kilograms (kg) of cocaine and 889 kg of cannabis. “Guyanese authorities initiated 358 prosecutions and convicted 24 individuals for drug trafficking,” the United States said.

The report noted that cocaine is concealed in legitimate commodities and smuggled through commercial and private air transport, maritime vessels, human couriers, “go-fast” boats, and various postal systems. The United States also said it enjoys strong cooperation with Guyana in advancing mutual interests against the threat of international drug trafficking. Guyana, the US said has shown strong interest in furthering collaboration under Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. “The United States looks forward to tangible progress on investigations, prosecutions, and extraditions; expanding security sector capacity;

engaging at-risk communities; and enforcing laws against money laundering and financial crimes. To advance cooperation, Guyana should take steps to implement the 2001 counterdrug bilateral agreement with the United States to suppress illicit trafficking by sea and air. Guyana should seek to enhance its anti-corruption initiatives and fully pursue prosecutions for drug trafficking in accordance with its laws.”

Additionally, the report said the United States supports a wide range of efforts designed to address crime and violence affecting Guyanese citizens, primarily through the CBSI. CBSI is a security partnership between the United States and Caribbean countries that seek to substantially reduce illicit trafficking, advance public safety and citizen security, and promote justice. Efforts to increase law enforcement capabilities, protect borders, air and seaports, strengthen workforce development, and promote anti-money laundering effectiveness directly address priority concerns shared by Guyana and the United States.

“The Government of Guyana cooperates very closely with all relevant U.S. agencies and departments, but is limited by resource constraints. The current administration, which took office in May 2015, has expressed a strong willingness to cooperate with the United States on drug control, extradition, mutual legal assistance, and other international crime issues,” the US report stated.

CBSI-funded programmes support Guyana’s maritime operations by providing interdiction assets, relevant command and control systems, and associated logistical support and training. In 2018, the United States provided port and maritime training to Guyana’s Coast Guard. U.S. assistance programs also promote law enforcement professionalisation and more effective drug investigations. By strengthening Guyana’s drug control capacities, the United States seeks to enhance inter-agency coordination within the Guyanese government including to gather better information on drug trafficking routes.

The Government of Guyana’s National Drug Abuse Control Unit trains public health officers, teachers, social workers, and civil society groups as part of the government’s supply reduction strategy. The Guyanese government has a drug enforcement presence at its international airports, post offices, and, to a lesser extent, at seaport and land-border entry points. Drug control agencies reported several interdiction efforts and drug-related seizures and convictions during the first nine months of 2018.