CANU intercepts vehicle, seizes over 8 kg cocaine in Kitty operation

A Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) operation in Kitty, Georgetown on Saturday led to the interception of two vehicles and the seizure of more than eight kilograms (KG) of suspected cocaine, following a high-speed pursuit along city streets. The operation was conducted after CANU officers acted on information received and moved to intercept two motor vehicles in the vicinity of David Street. During the interception attempt, the driver of a white Volkswagen motorcar, registration number PAL 4117, reportedly fled the scene at high speed while attempting to evade law enforcement, leading to a collision involving several CANU vehicles as officers pursued the vehicle. As the pursuit continued along Sheriff Street, before the intersection with Rupert Craig Highway, officers observed a brown cardboard box being thrown from the Volkswagen. Some ranks stopped to retrieve the box, while others continued the pursuit. The fleeing vehicle was later intercepted at the intersection of Rupert Craig Highway and Sheriff Streets, Georgetown. The vehicle was being driven by Shaquille Gordon, who was the sole occupant at the time.

The brown cardboard box recovered during the pursuit was shown to suspects at the scene. A search conducted in their presence revealed seven brick-like parcels suspected to be cocaine. Both Gordon and Ravindranauth Persaud, the driver of the second vehicle, a white Pitbull minibus bearing registration number BAB 6337, were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the suspected narcotics. At CANU Headquarters, the substance tested positive for cocaine and was found to weigh approximately 8.226 kg, or 18.135 pounds. Investigations are ongoing. CANU has reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting narcotics trafficking and safeguarding communities across Guyana.

The CANU report comes just a day after CANU noted in a press release that they have removed approximately 161.09 kg of illicit drugs, along with two firearms and 137 rounds of ammunition from the streets of Guyana during January, following 11 intelligence-led operations across several regions. According to CANU’s January newsletter, the seizures included 92.46 kg of cocaine, 68.39 kg of cannabis, 229 grams of ecstasy (MDMA) and 84 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine. Cocaine and cannabis accounted for the majority of the seizures, with CANU noting that while synthetic drugs remain low in volume, their presence signals an emerging threat. Most of the drugs (88 per cent) were intercepted on roadways, reinforcing road transport as the primary trafficking method. Smaller quantities were seized at airports and residences, though airport interceptions were deemed significant due to their link to international trafficking. Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) recorded the highest seizures, accounting for 43 per cent, followed by Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with 31 per cent, highlighting continued vulnerabilities along hinterland and border routes, particularly the Guyana–Brazil corridor. CANU estimated the domestic street value of cocaine at G$92.456 million, rising to US$2.773 million and €3.698 million on international markets, underscoring cocaine’s high profitability and its impact on organised crime financing. During the month, 17 persons were arrested, 12 charged with narcotics offences and three convicted for possession with intent to distribute. The operations also led to the seizure of a .32 revolver, a 12-gauge shotgun and assorted ammunition, highlighting the ongoing link between drug trafficking and illegal firearms. CANU said January’s results reaffirm the importance of intelligence-driven operations, border vigilance and inter-agency cooperation, while the Unit continues to strengthen its operational capacity through specialised training and regional collaboration.