seizes over 13,000 KG since 2020

THE Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) conducted a significant drug disposal exercise on Saturday, destroying a total of 622 kilograms of illegal narcotics at the former Ministry of Housing tarmac on Homestretch Avenue.

The incinerated drugs included 22 kilograms of cocaine and 600 kilograms of marijuana, linked to cases that have been fully adjudicated in the Magistrates’ Courts. The marijuana-related cases were concluded between 2021 and 2025, while the cocaine cases were finalised between 2021 and 2024.

The event was attended by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, alongside CANU Director, James Singh, who noted that the destroyed narcotics represent only a fraction of the total amount seized by the agency.

In 2024 alone, CANU seized an estimated 6,738.212 kilograms of narcotics, valued at approximately US$157 million (U.S. street value), €207.3 million (European street value), and GY$5.6 billion (Guyana street value).

Among the major seizures were 5,094.67 kg of cocaine, 1,643.45 kg of cannabis, and 0.092 kg of methamphetamine.

Additionally, CANU’s law enforcement operations in 2024 led to 83 arrests, 52 individuals charged, 66 convictions, 43 cases completed, and 76 investigations ongoing, along with the seizure of 20 firearms, 291 rounds of ammunition, and seven canisters of mercury. With a budgetary allocation of GY$827.4 million, CANU achieved an impressive Return on Investment (ROI) of 576.8 per cent.

Over the past five years (2020–2024), CANU recorded total narcotics seizures of 13,335.223 kilograms, including 8,496.332 kg of cannabis, 4,829.178 kg of cocaine, and smaller quantities of ecstasy, crystal meth, hashish, cannabis seeds, heroin, and methamphetamine.

During this period, law enforcement efforts resulted in 820 arrests, 517 charges, 399 convictions, 439 cases initiated, and 76 investigations still ongoing, alongside the seizure of 48 firearms, 3,475 rounds of ammunition, and multiple canisters of mercury. CANU’s annual ROI fluctuated from -69.8 per cent in 2020 to 576.8 per cent in 2024, reflecting its growing effectiveness.

The agency remains committed to national security and the continued dismantling of drug trafficking operations across Guyana, ensuring that offenders are prosecuted and held accountable.