On Saturday 31st August 2024, CANU officers, in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces Unit, carried out an operation in the Region #1 area which led to the discovery of an illegal airstrip.
A subsequent search of the surrounding area resulted in the unearthing of 4.4 tons of suspected cocaine, which has a current street value of one hundred and seventy-six million Euros (€176,000,000) or nearly US$200,000,000.
This operation was driven by intelligence regarding illegal flights into Guyana and was supported by information shared with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other international partners.
This seizure highlights the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the Government’s unwavering commitment to combating the narcotics trade in Guyana and collaborating with international partners. The Government of Guyana is making significant strides to equip the Joint Services with the necessary tools to combat drug trafficking and other illicit activities within the country.
Recent investments in the GDF Coast Guard, Air Corps, and the Guyana Police to enhance monitoring of border regions underscore this dedication.
This seizure also demonstrates the confidence that the Guyanese Government, international agencies, and Joint Services have in CANU’s ability to fulfill its mandate.
CANU has been leading Guyana’s anti-narcotics efforts, resulting in previous seizures of aircraft, and semi-submersibles, and the arrests of high-profile drug traffickers.
Samples were taken and the remainder of the narcotics were destroyed.
