CANU net over 161kg narcotics, firearms & ammo in January

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has removed approximately 161.09 kilogrammes 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 for January 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 161.09kg narcotics seized last month, 92.46kg were cocaine, 68.39kg were cannabis, 229g were Ecstasy (MDMA), and 84g 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-narco agency stated.

Among the total narcotics seized, 142.20kg or 88 per cent were discovered along roadways, 15.76kg or 10 per cent at airports, and 3.13kg or 2 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 a whopping 43 per cent with 70kg cocaine; followed by Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with 31 per cent including 49.89kg cannabis, 8.6g cocaine and 65g ecstasy.

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) saw the seizure of 22.44kg cocaine and 2.71kg cannabis; while Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) had 22.44kg cocaine and 2.71kg cannabis, and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) had 84g suspected crystal meth.

“This distribution underscores the continued vulnerability of hinterland and border regions, particularly along the Guyana–Brazil transit routes,” CANU said.

The 92.46kg cocaine discovered last month carried a domestic street value of some G$92.456 million but worth some US$2. 773 million and €3.698 million on the United States and European markets, respectively.

On the other hand, the 68.39kg cannabis fetched G$20.517 million in Guyana but some US$170,981 and €150,258 in those markets.

According to CANU, “The increase in cocaine’s market worth from domestic to U.S. 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.”

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 9mm ammunition – all connected to 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.

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.

CANU said, “The outcomes reflect sustained enforcement pressure on trafficking networks operating along roadways, border corridors, residential areas, and international entry points.”

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 22.984kg narcotics including 22.394kg cocaine and 0.426kg cannabis as well as 0.164g ecstasy.