CUSTOMS Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) officers, in collaboration with the Guyana
Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces Unit, carried out an operation in the Region One area on Saturday which led to the discovery of an illegal airstrip.

According to a CANU press release, a subsequent search of the surrounding
area resulted in the unearthing of 4.4 tons of suspected cocaine, which has a current street value of €176,000,000.

“This operation was driven by intelligence regarding illegal flights into Guyana, and was supported by information shared with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other international partners,” the release said.

It added that this seizure highlights CANU and the government’s unwavering commitment to combatting the narcotics trade in Guyana, and collaborating with international partners.

“The Government of Guyana is making significant strides to equip the Joint Services with the necessary tools to combat drug trafficking and other illicit activities within the country. Recent investments in the GDF Coast Guard, Air Corps, and the Guyana Police Force to enhance monitoring of border regions underscore this dedication.

“This seizure also demonstrates the confidence that the Guyanese Government,
international agencies, and Joint Services have in CANU’s ability to fulfill its mandate,” the release added.

It was emphasised that CANU has been leading Guyana’s anti-narcotics efforts, resulting in previous seizures of aircraft, and semi-submersibles, and the arrests of high-profile drug traffickers.

As investigations continue, samples were taken, and the remainder of the narcotics was destroyed.