“We will act decisively” – Top Cop on threat against CANU Head

The direct threat made against the head of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), James Singh, recently, is being treated as a serious national security matter as law enforcement agencies intensify operations targeting narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms networks.
Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken disclosed during Police Roundup that intelligence and investigative units are actively pursuing the matter and warned that arrests and prosecutions will follow once evidence is obtained.
“Zero tolerance for threats against any citizen or any member of the security architecture. We will act. We will act decisively,” Hicken declared. “This matter is being treated as a serious national security concern.”
The Commissioner explained that the threat emerged following recent law enforcement operations involving narcotics interceptions, as authorities continue intelligence-led enforcement efforts in collaboration with CANU and other security agencies.
According to Hicken, narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms smuggling remain deeply interconnected across the region.
“Narcotic trafficking and the proliferation of illegal arms remain interconnected through threats across the region,” he said.
“These criminal networks use the same transnational routes, land, maritime, and airspace to move drugs, weapons, and illicit proceedings, fueling violence and organized crime.”
“The presence of illegal firearms significantly escalates the risk to communities and to law enforcement officers engaged in front-line operations.”
The Police Commissioner warned that Guyana remains vulnerable to regional trafficking dynamics affecting Caribbean and South American nations.
“Guyana, like many other countries in the Caribbean and South America, is impacted by these regional dynamics,” he stated.
“Our response is very simple. Grounded in intelligence-led policing, strengthening border security, and close collaboration with CANU, the Guyana Defence Force, the Fire Service, international partners, and the Prison Service to some extent, and NISA.”
Hicken said the collaborative operations have already resulted in increased seizures of narcotics, firearms, and illicit items.
“This increased detection and seizure of narcotics, firearms, and other illicit items demonstrates that our operations are disrupting criminal networks,” he stated.
He noted that criminal organisations often react aggressively when authorities target their operations.
“It is not uncommon in such circumstances for those engaged in these activities, they react when the operations are being targeted,” the Commissioner said.
“However, whilst it’s clear that such a reaction will not deter us, we will continue to work, we will continue to serve the nation, and we’ll continue to make Guyana proud.”
Hicken strongly condemned threats against Singh, describing them as attacks against the rule of law itself.
“A threat against Mr. James Singh is a threat against the rule of law itself. This will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he declared. “Any attempt to intimidate his leadership is an attack on the state’s ability to enforce the law.”
He added that Singh’s role in regional anti-narcotics enforcement makes him a key figure in the country’s security architecture.
“Mr. Singh, in his capacity as head of CANU, plays a critical role in leading national and regional efforts against narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime.”
The Commissioner also issued a warning to members of the public against making threats toward law enforcement officials.
“We are going to pursue this to the end,” Hicken warned. “And let me just warn the public, avoid doing this, or else we’re going to deal with you next.”
Investigators, he said, are currently monitoring digital platforms and other communication channels as part of the probe.
“Our intelligence units are engaged, investigations are ongoing, and where there is evidence, there will be arrests and prosecution,” he stated.
“Anybody issuing online or otherwise will be found and brought before the court.”
Authorities, according to Hicken, remain committed to dismantling criminal networks operating through Guyana’s borders and transport routes.
Not allow intimidation
“We will not allow intimidation of those on the front lines of national security,” he said. “The law will prevail.”
The Commissioner further warned that failure to combat narcotics trafficking aggressively could damage Guyana’s international standing.
“If we don’t do that, we are going to be labeled an entrancing point or a narcotic state,” he cautioned. “We’re working very hard, and we’re working around the clock.”
The threat against the CANU head came nearly 24 years after former deputy anti-drug head Vibert Inniss was gunned down in Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara. The current head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, has become the target of threats circulating on social media, triggering an extensive law enforcement investigation.
In a recent statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said any threat against a public official is being treated as a serious criminal matter.
“Law enforcement agencies have launched an active investigation to determine the origin, authenticity, and intent of the video, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of those targeted,” the ministry stated.
The threat reportedly involves a hooded individual appearing to point a handgun at an image of Singh.
According to the ministry, the incident comes amid intensified anti-narcotics operations by CANU, including the seizure of 371 kilogrammes of narcotics and the disruption of several trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations. Authorities, however, noted that the context does not prejudge the ongoing investigation.
The Government also warned that “intimidation will not succeed” and vowed that threats against law enforcement officials would be met with “the full force of the law.”