CANU intercepts vessel with US$2.6M worth of cocaine at Vergenoegen

A joint operation between the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard has led to the interception of a vessel containing 536 kilograms (1181 lbs) of cocaine at Vergenoegen, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
CANU stated that on the day in question, the two entities conducted a joint operation at Vergenoegen where they intercepted a go-fast vessel. At the time, there were two occupants on board.
A search of the vessel led to the discovery of a large quantity of narcotics along with a quantity of fuel and other items. The narcotics were tested for cocaine and weighed.

CANU stated that the street value in Guyana for the haul is estimated at US$2.6 million. However, had the cocaine been transshipped to its intended destination, it would have had an estimated street value of €20 million. The two occupants found onboard remain in custody and are assisting with the investigations.
Just over one week ago, CANU Director James Singh stated that the drug enforcement unit seized a startling 1.1 tonnes of marijuana and over 75 kilograms of cocaine from various operations across the country.
He noted that a majority of the marijuana is from the Andean region of South America which includes Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
“We have over 75 kilos of cocaine and close to 1.1 tonnes of marijuana. Of the marijuana, about 90 per cent is foreign marijuana that came from the Andean region, known as “Creepy”,” Singh informed.

In contrast, CANU had seized approximately 1363.28 kilos of narcotics throughout 2023, and cannabis sativa (ganja) accounted for 94 per cent of that total. From 18 operations conducted, 75.17 kilos of cocaine were seized.
Meanwhile, Singh also responded to recent concerns that the increase in seizures is an indication that drugs were coming into Guyana, as he reminded that Guyana was a transshipment point. Consequently, he encouraged people to share information, which could lead to the dismantling of such operations.
“A lot of the narcotics coming in is going to other regions, both marijuana and cocaine. And sometimes we rely not only on the press but the public to share information. All too often, we arrest persons and those representing them are saying ‘don’t say anything, remain silent’. You can expect me to do my job when you’re also supposed to be helping us, but then you tell your client or other members, ’don’t say anything’.”
“It’s their right, but, at the same time, if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. So, we encourage as you guys just know, we encourage persons to call in and share information as opposed to saying don’t call, people will come after you. You have a right as a citizen to give information if it can help you live a safer life, a safer community. After all, we’re looking at one safe Guyana,” the Director underscored.