Ganja, ecstasy, uncustomed liquor, stolen motorcycles found during CANU bust

Narcotics, uncustomed goods, and four stolen motorcycles were uncovered during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) at Tabatinga, Lethem, on Tuesday.
During the operation, CANU ranks searched a clump of bush located obliquely opposite a premises occupied by Marlon Jarvis, where several Ziploc bags containing suspected cannabis were discovered. A man who identified himself as Alim Kartel was detained at the location and interviewed in relation to the find.
Information obtained during the interview led CANU officers to seek entry to the premises occupied by Jarvis. After Jarvis declined to facilitate a search, ranks obtained a search warrant from the Lethem Magistrates’ Court. With assistance from the Guyana Fire Service, officers gained access to two structures within the compound, a two-storey building and a concrete shop.
A search of the shop uncovered suspected cannabis packaged in Ziploc bags, empty Ziploc bags, digital scales, and a quantity of uncustomed liquor. Further searches of the two-storey building resulted in the discovery of additional uncustomed liquor, a quantity of pink-coloured pills suspected to be ecstasy (MDMA), local and foreign currencies, and a quantity of yellow metal.
In another section of the yard, officers discovered additional Ziploc bags containing suspected cannabis along with four motorcycles. Subsequent checks revealed that the motorcycles had been reported stolen in Brazil. No occupants were present at the premises during the search. The entire operation was recorded using officers’ body-worn cameras.
Ranks from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were summoned and took possession of the uncustomed liquor. During that process, Jarvis arrived at the premises, was cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the Lethem Police Station along with the narcotics, currencies, yellow metal, and other items, which were lodged as exhibits.
At the police station, the narcotics were weighed and recorded as cannabis – bulk one weighing 519 grams and bulk two weighing 1.626 kilograms – and ecstasy weighing 65 grams. Currencies counted in Jarvis’s presence amounted to GY$2,174,600; US$572; TT$100; £45; €30; and BRL$5,416. A quantity of uncustomed goods was also seized. Both Jarvis and Kartel were escorted to the Lethem Police Station as investigations continue.

Ecstasy alert
Following the operation, CANU issued an early warning alert on Wednesday, confirming the circulation of 3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) in Guyana. The alert stated that pills suspected to be ecstasy discovered during the Tabatinga operation tested positive on-site for amphetamine-type stimulants, with preliminary confirmation later identifying the substance as MDMA, a Schedule I controlled drug under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap. 10:10.
The alert classified the development as “Level 2 – Emerging Circulation Confirmed”, noting that the detection was significant, as amphetamine-type stimulants remain rare in Guyana. It further warned that the distribution pattern observed was consistent with nightlife and youth-targeted micro-trafficking, particularly within commercial entertainment zones.
CANU also highlighted public health risks, cautioning that MDMA pills may contain varying concentrations or be adulterated with other stimulants, increasing the risk of overdose and severe health effects. These include rapid heart rate, dangerous overheating, dehydration, seizures, and psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and depression, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances.