CANU nets over 161 kg narcotics; firearms & ammo in January

– 12 charged, 3 convicted

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has removed approximately 161.09 kilograms (kg) of illicit narcotics, two firearms and some 137 rounds of ammunition from the streets of Guyana during the month of January.
In a monthly newsletter released by CANU Director James Singh on Saturday evening, it was noted that these discoveries were made during 11 intelligence-led operations across multiple regions in the country.
Of the 161.09 kg of narcotics seized last month, 92.46 kg were cocaine, 68.39 kg were cannabis, 229 g were ecstasy (MDMA), and 84 g were suspected crystal methamphetamine.
“Cocaine and cannabis continue to dominate seizure profiles, reinforcing established trafficking trends and market demand. Although synthetic drugs remain low in volume, their presence highlights an emerging risk that warrants continued monitoring and early-warning attention,” the anti-narcotic agency stated.
Among the total narcotics seized, 142.20 kg, or 88 per cent, were discovered at roadways; 15.76 kg, or 10 per cent, at airports; and 3.13 kg, or two per cent, at residences. CANU pointed out, “Road transport remains the primary method of trafficking. Airport interdictions, while lower in volume, are operationally significant given their implications for international trafficking.”
These seizures were largely recorded in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), which accounted for 43 per cent with 70 kg of cocaine, followed by Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with 31 per cent, including 49.89 kg of cannabis, 8.6 g of cocaine and 65 g of ecstasy.
Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) saw the seizure of 22.44 kg of cocaine and 2.71 kg of cannabis; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) had 22.44 kg of cocaine and 2.71 kg of cannabis, and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) had 84 g of suspected crystal meth.

“This distribution underscores the continued vulnerability of hinterland and border regions, particularly along the Guyana–Brazil transit routes,” CANU said.
The 92.46 kg of cocaine discovered last month carried a domestic street value of some G$92.456 million but was worth some US$2.773 million and €3.698 million on the United States and European markets, respectively.
On the other hand, the 68.39 kg of cannabis fetched G$20.517 million in Guyana but only US$170,981 and €150,258 in those markets.
According to CANU, “The increase in cocaine’s market worth from domestic to US and European markets emphasises its role as a high-value trafficking commodity, where smaller quantities yield higher criminal profits. This disparity shows that enforcement success should be judged not just by weight but by market impact, as cocaine interdictions more effectively disrupt trafficking networks and criminal financing.”
Guns and ammo
Meanwhile, also in January, CANU unearthed a .32 revolver and a 12-gauge shotgun during its operation. These discoveries also include 110 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition, 10 rounds of 12-gauge cartridges, and 17 rounds of 9 mm ammunition – all connected to the narcotics find.
The anti-drug unit said this highlights the continued nexus between drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. “These seizures underscore the elevated risk to community safety and reinforce the Unit’s focus on intelligence-led operations to disrupt organised criminal activity and reduce the circulation of illicit weapons within communities,” it added.
<<< Charges and convictions >>>
Moreover, these 11 intelligence-led operations in January led to the arrest of 17 individuals (16 males and one female), 12 of whom were charged for narcotics-related offences, and three convicted.
“The outcomes reflect sustained enforcement pressure on trafficking networks operating along roadways, border corridors, residential areas, and international entry points,” CANU stated.
Of those arrested, eight individuals were charged with possession of cannabis, five with possession of cocaine, three with possession of ecstasy, and one with possession of crystal methamphetamine. Additionally, five of the suspects were found in possession of more than one controlled substance, including three individuals arrested for possession of both cannabis and cocaine and two others arrested for possession of both cannabis and ecstasy.
During the reporting period, the Unit secured three convictions for possession with intent to distribute, all involving male defendants and approximately 22.984 kg of narcotics, including 22.394 kg of cocaine and 0.426 kg of cannabis, as well as 0.164 g of ecstasy.
According to CANU, January’s results confirm that intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency cooperation, and sustained border vigilance remain critical to disrupting trafficking networks.
Going forward, the Unit said continued emphasis will be placed on roadway and border corridor interdictions, monitoring emerging synthetic drug threats, and strengthening intelligence fusion and analytical capacity.
To further enhance its operational capacity, CANU continued to build its professionalism and intelligence-led enforcement in January with a series of targeted training programmes, including a Weapon Handling & Safety Training facilitated by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); a Basic Narcotics Investigation Seminar and Intelligence Analysis & Structured Analytical Techniques hosted by REDTRAC in Jamaica; and a local Open-Source Enterprise Workshop.
“As the year progresses, the Unit remains focused on strengthening operational capacity, enhancing information-sharing with national and international partners, and engaging the public as a critical partner in crime prevention. Through sustained vigilance, professionalism, and accountability, the Unit will continue to work to reduce the availability of illicit drugs and protect communities across Guyana,” CANU said in its January newsletter.