CANU intercepts 519.49kg of narcotics in 1st half of 2026

– 35 illegal firearms, 699 rounds of ammunition also seized

The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) on Saturday reported that between January and June 2026, the unit intercepted a combined total of 519.49 kilograms (kg) of illicit narcotics, 35 illegal firearms, and 699 rounds of ammunition across multiple operational areas nationwide.

Narcotics Seizures
In a social media post late Saturday, CANU stated that the total volume of narcotics seized during the reporting period represents a 272.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 139.5 kg were recovered.
The seized substances comprised four categories: cannabis, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and ecstasy (MDMA).
Cannabis remained the highest-volume substance seized, totalling 357.28 kg, a 28.2 per cent year-over-year increase. The largest single-month cannabis seizure occurred in March 2026, when 176.01 kg were intercepted.
Cocaine was the highest-value narcotic seized during the period. The 159.93 kg seized represent a 272 per cent surge over the 42.97 kg recorded for the same period in 2025, driven by major interdictions in January (92.4 kg) and May (45.6 kg). At international retail prices, the cocaine alone carries an estimated value of US$15.99 million in the United States and €12.79 million across European markets.
Crystal methamphetamine was recorded in CANU’s seizure statistics for the first time, with 1.89 kg intercepted, the overwhelming majority (1.82 kg) being seized in April 2026. This marks a significant and concerning development in Guyana’s domestic drug landscape.
Ecstasy (MDMA) seizures totalled 380 grams, with detections recorded in January and May 2026, reflecting an increase in distribution frequency compared to the single seizure event recorded for the same period in 2025.

International Valuation of Seizures
The combined seizures carry a total estimated domestic street value of GY$339,383,500. At the international level, these narcotics represent an estimated wholesale value of approximately US$5.72 million, with potential retail values reaching US$20.02 million in the United States and €16.02 million across European markets.

Geographic Distribution
A geographic analysis of seizure locations identifies the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) as the primary point of interdiction, accounting for 35 per cent of all seizures during the reporting period. This is consistent with historical trends, with CJIA serving as a critical node for transnational trafficking attempts, particularly involving cocaine concealed in outbound passenger luggage and air freight. Additional seizures were recorded at land border crossings, along maritime routes, and during targeted community operations in Regions Three, Four, and Nine.

Firearms & Ammunition Seizures
Alongside narcotics, CANU recovered a total of 35 illegal firearms and 699 rounds of ammunition during the first half of 2026, in comparison to eight firearms and 76 rounds seized during the same period in 2025.
Rifles dominated the firearm seizures, accounting for 23 of the 35 weapons recovered (65.7 per cent), followed by six shotguns and seven handguns. The ammunition profile was similarly weighted toward high-powered weaponry, with 504 rounds of 7.62×39mm calibre, the standard round for AK-pattern assault rifles, accounting for the bulk of recovered rounds.
Meanwhile, the Director of the unit, James Singh, stated, “The seizure data for the first half of 2026 reflects the unwavering commitment of every CANU officer to our core mandate.” The surge in cocaine seizures, the record recovery of illegal firearms, and the first-ever seizure of crystal methamphetamine on Guyanese soil are clear signals that transnational organised crime is deepening its footprint in Guyana. CANU will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to deny criminal organisations access to our communities and our markets.”