The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) successfully destroyed 622 kilograms (kg) of illegal drugs in a major disposal operation on Saturday. The exercise took place at the former Ministry of Housing tarmac along Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown.
The drugs destroyed consisted of 22 kg of cocaine and 600 kg of marijuana. These narcotics were linked to cases that have already been concluded in the Magistrates’ Courts, with the marijuana-related cases finalised between 2021 and 2025, and the cocaine-related cases concluded between 2021 and 2024.
The event was attended by the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and the Director of CANU, James Singh. According to CANU officials, the narcotics destroyed represented only a small portion of the total drugs seized by the unit in recent years. In 2024, CANU made significant progress in combating drug trafficking, seizing a total of 6,738.212 kg of narcotics, including 5,094.67 kg of cocaine, 1,643.45 kg of cannabis, and 0.092 kg of methamphetamine.
The estimated street value of these seizures was US$157 million; €207.3 million; and a Guyanese street value of GY$5.6 billion.
The seizures led to 83 arrests, 52 individuals charged, and 66 convictions, contributing to a more secure environment within the country. Furthermore, 43 cases were completed in 2024, with 76 ongoing investigations continuing to target the operations of drug traffickers.
During the year, CANU’s operations also resulted in the seizure of 20 firearms, 291 rounds of ammunition, and 7 canisters of mercury. The budgetary allocation to CANU in 2024 was GY$827.4 million, which produced a remarkable Return on Investment (ROI) of 576.8 per cent.
Drugs being destroyed by CANU
Over the period from 2020 to 2024, CANU recorded total narcotics seizures of 13,335.223 kg, including 8,496.332 kg of cannabis and 4,829.178 kg of cocaine. Other substances seized over the five-year period included ecstasy, crystal meth, hashish, cannabis seeds, heroin, and methamphetamine.
The enforcement efforts during this time led to the arrest of 820 individuals, with 517 charged and 399 convicted. In addition, the authorities seized 48 firearms, 3,475 rounds of ammunition, and several canisters of mercury.
CANU continues its commitment to national security and the ongoing disruption of illegal drug trafficking networks operating within Guyana.
In 2024, CANU made significant progress in combating drug trafficking, seizing a total of 6,738.212 kg of narcotics, including 5,094.67 kg of cocaine, 1,643.45 kg of cannabis, and 0.092 kg of methamphetamine.
