GPF notes successes in responding to gun, drug crimes

-16 firearms seized, 11 charged in January

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has stated that it is steadily and successfully moving forward in its targeted fight against narcotics and illegal firearms across the country.
In a Sunday Facebook post report, the GPF noted that field operations have intensified in response to criminal activities, yielding notable results. Between the period 2020 to present, it noted, field operations have led to the seizure of over 790 illegal firearms, significantly disrupting the availability of weapons which could potentially be linked to violent and organised crime. Firearm seizures increased steadily from 133 in 2020 to a peak of 178 in 2024, reflecting targeted intelligence-led operations. During that time more than 290 persons were charged for firearm related offences bridging the link between seizures and investigations. The momentum continues with 16 firearms seized and 11 persons charged for the month of January, 2026 alone. According to the Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken “Every illegal firearm taken off the streets represents a life potentially saved.” Narcotics also remains another major focus area under the Force’s operational strategy in efforts to disrupt the supply and distribution of illegal drugs. A critical aspect of this effort is the protection of schools, ensuring that the lives of young people are not ruined due to the influence of criminal forces or the use of these life-threatening substances. This was demonstrated recently in Regional Division #2, where officers responded to a report of narcotics found on school grounds, recovering nearly 6 grams of suspected Ecstasy/MDMA and detaining juveniles and a young adult linked to the incident. The swift action of the officers not only removed drugs from the school environment but also reinforced ongoing efforts to safeguard youths and uphold community well-being. From 2020 to present, the GPF intercepted thousands of kilograms (kg) of illegal drugs, with cannabis and cocaine remaining the most prevalent. Cannabis seizures accelerated, reaching over 1,500 kg in 2023 and remaining consistently high in subsequent years. Cocaine interdictions also fluctuated in response to trafficking patterns, with notable seizures such as over 536 kg in 2021 and 234 kg in 2025, indicating the Force’s ability to adapt operations to evolving threats.
The efforts of police ranks resulted in hundreds of individuals charged and placed before the court annually. The consistency of these outcomes reflects hard work, training and operational planning. As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to modernise and build upon its community relations, the focus remains clear “to disrupt criminal activity, remove illegal weapons and drugs from our communities, and ensure the safety of all citizens through professional and disciplined policing,” Commissioner Hicken said. Guided by the strategic pillars Operations and Performance, the Force continues to enhance policing efforts with the use of technology, regional collaboration and community engagement, the post noted.