CANU destroys over G$429M worth of drugs

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) today conducted a massive narcotic destruction exercise, disposing of a combined total of 1,243.3488 kilogrammes (kg) of narcotics with an estimated local street value of some GYD$429,797,900 (USD $5,342,452/EUR €5,803,114).

Among the narcotics destroyed by fire this morning were 81.2678 kg of cocaine valued at approximately GYD $81,267,800 (USD $2,438,034/EUR€3,250,712); and 1,161.767 kg of cannabis worth GYD$348,530,100 (USD $2,904,418/EUR €2,552,402). Additionally, some 0.214 kg of Methamphetamine and 0.1 kg of Crystal Meth were also destroyed.

Director of CANU, James Singh, explained that these narcotics were seized over the past three years in various operations and are now being destroyed following the completion of the respective court cases, during which they were used as evidence.

According to CANU, those continuous string of successful operations and interdictions conducted by its officers were aimed at disrupting local and transnational drug trafficking networks, removing illicit substances from communities, and dismantling illegal drug storage and supply chains across Guyana.

This morning’s destruction exercise was conducted with the vital support of inter-agency partners. Representatives from the Guyana Forensic Laboratory were present to confirm the validity and composition of the narcotics being burned. Additionally, the Guyana Fire Service was on site to ensure that the fire remained safely under control throughout the process, and ranks from the Guyana Police Force provided their support.

Nevertheless, CANU said it remains steadfast in its mandate to disrupt drug trafficking efforts, safeguard national security, and collaborate with local and international partners to combat illicit narcotics operations.