Region 6 listed as drug trafficking hotspot as $1.2B in drugs found in 1st quarter

… 258.23kg ganja, 113.01kg cocaine – CANU

Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has been identified as Guyana’s main drug trafficking hotspot, following the seizure of 371.24 kilogrammes of narcotics in the first quarter of 2026 by the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), with 26 operations leading to 37 arrests, 30 charges and 18 court cases.
CANU on Wednesday said that cannabis-dominated networks in the region, cocaine-driven international trafficking routes, and a troubling link between drugs, firearms and organised crime, with the illicit trade valued at over $1.2 billion.
According to the report, the seizures were carried out through a series of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations across multiple regions, targeting established trafficking routes and organised distribution networks. Authorities noted that this strategic approach has allowed for more effective disruption of the drug trade, moving beyond isolated interceptions to dismantling key elements of the wider criminal infrastructure.
A breakdown of the seizures shows that cannabis accounted for the largest share of narcotics intercepted during the reporting period, with 258.23 kilogrammes seized, largely linked to local cultivation and distribution networks. Cocaine, though smaller in volume at 113.01 kilogrammes, remained the most lucrative drug, reinforcing Guyana’s role as a key transit point for international trafficking. Synthetic drugs were also seized, including 229 grammes of MDMA (ecstasy) and 84 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, signalling an evolving drug landscape alongside the traditional cannabis and cocaine trade.
Region Six accounted for the highest share of narcotics seized during the first quarter, with 233.59 kilogrammes intercepted in the region alone, the bulk of its cannabis. The data places Region Six well ahead of other regions, with Region Two recording 66.99 kilogrammes and Region Four 60.47 kilogrammes, underscoring the extent to which East Berbice-Corentyne has become the country’s principal trafficking hotspot and a major corridor for the cultivation, movement and distribution of illicit drugs.

Drug trafficking and violent crime
The report also pointed to the close link between drug trafficking and violent crime, with operations during the quarter resulting in the seizure of four firearms and 166 rounds of ammunition during targeted enforcement activities. Authorities noted that these discoveries were made in the course of intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling trafficking networks, highlighting the extent to which drug-related activities are often intertwined with armed and organised criminal elements. The findings underscore growing concerns that narcotics operations are not only facilitating the movement of illicit drugs but are also contributing to the circulation of illegal weapons, increasing the potential for violence within affected communities.
The report also highlighted the significant financial scale of the illicit drug trade, with the total street value of narcotics seized during the first quarter estimated at more than GYD $190 million locally, while the international value exceeds GYD $1.2 billion. This stark disparity underscores the role of Guyana primarily as a transit point within the global drug trade, particularly for cocaine, which commands far higher prices in overseas markets. Authorities noted that while cannabis seizures dominate in volume and are largely tied to domestic cultivation and distribution, the movement of cocaine through local channels is driven by the substantial profits to be gained beyond Guyana’s borders, reinforcing the need for continued intelligence-led operations and international cooperation to disrupt transnational trafficking networks.
CANU said that it has also intensified its international cooperation and policy engagement during the reporting period, integrating Guyana into a more coordinated global drug control framework through enhanced intelligence-sharing, strategic partnerships and active participation in regional and international initiatives. The Unit reported that these efforts have strengthened its capacity to track and disrupt trafficking networks that operate across borders, while supporting a more evidence-based approach to enforcement. By leveraging shared intelligence and collaborative operations, authorities have improved their ability to anticipate emerging trends, target high-value shipments and respond more effectively to the evolving dynamics of the drug trade, particularly as trafficking routes become increasingly interconnected.

Early Warning System
CANU said it further strengthened its Early Warning System (EWS) during the reporting period, issuing targeted alerts on emerging drug threats, including the circulation of MDMA (ecstasy) and the growing presence of illegal THC vape products. The Unit noted that these substances are increasingly being directed at younger users, signalling a shift in both trafficking strategies and consumption patterns. Through the enhanced monitoring system, authorities are now better positioned to detect new drug trends at an early stage, assess associated risks and respond promptly, as synthetic and processed drugs begin to complement the traditional cannabis and cocaine trade within the local drug landscape.
In addition to enforcement efforts, CANU has intensified its prevention and public education initiatives through expanded school and community outreach programmes, reaching more than 2,400 individuals during the first quarter. These engagements have focused on raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and trafficking, particularly among young people, as authorities move to counter the growing appeal of synthetic substances and other emerging threats. The programmes form part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing demand, discouraging involvement in the drug trade and addressing the root causes of drug-related activity.
CANU noted that Guyana’s drug landscape remains complex, with cannabis continuing to dominate in volume, cocaine driving the highest value within the trade, and synthetic drugs emerging as a growing concern. The Unit reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations, strengthened regional and international cooperation, and expanded prevention efforts as it works to counter increasingly sophisticated trafficking networks and respond to evolving threats within the illicit drug trade.