By Nakasia Logan
December 18, 2024
The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has reported a dramatic surge in the seizure of drugs, firearms, and ammunition in 2024, marking a significant boost in the agency’s operational success compared to 2023.
This increase reflects CANU’s intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and firearm-related crimes.
In 2024, CANU seized 5,094 kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of 2.5 billion Guyana dollars, a staggering increase from the 75.1 kg seized in 2023, valued at 37.5 million dollars.
This represents a more than 60-fold increase in the volume of cocaine intercepted.
One of the most notable seizures occurred in early September during a joint raid that led to the dismantling of a major drug trafficking operation.
Over four tonnes of cocaine, valued at 176 million Euros, were confiscated, marking one of the largest seizures in the history of Guyana.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, attributed CANU’s success to the hard work, commitment, and the government’s focus on addressing drug trafficking.
He emphasized that while progress has been made, the fight against this illegal activity is ongoing.
Cannabis seizures also saw a notable rise, with 1,598.8 kg confiscated in 2024, valued at 479.6 million dollars, compared to 1,288.2 kg in 2023, valued at 386 million dollars.
Additionally, methamphetamine, which was not reported in 2023, was added to the list of seized substances, with CANU confiscating 0.056 kg valued at 28,000 dollars.
The total value of drug seizures for 2024 reached 7.6 billion dollars, a significant increase from 1.1 billion in 2023, marking a rise of over 6.4 billion dollars.
In the fight against illegal firearms, CANU recovered 23 firearms in 2024, compared to 8 in 2023.
These included shotguns, pistols, submachine guns, and rifles.
However, ammunition seizures saw a decline, with 290 rounds recovered in 2024 compared to 1,511 rounds in 2023.
CANU Director James Singh highlighted the importance of international collaboration, noting that intelligence-sharing and joint operations with international partners, such as the DEA, have been crucial to the agency’s success.
CANU’s strengthened interdiction capabilities are expected to continue into 2025 as the agency works to protect Guyana’s borders from transnational drug trafficking and firearm smuggling.