Narcotics valuing millions burned

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#Guyana, August 5, 2023 – A large amount of illicit drugs valuing a large amount of money, US$2.5 million, has been burned by members of Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

Most of the drugs were seized during the first half of the year and its destruction took place at the former Ministry of Housing tarmac where 1009 kilograms of marijuana was set ablaze.

According to a CANU statement, from January to June 2023, CANU seized about 677 kilograms of narcotics which included 662 kilograms of cannabis, 14 kilograms of cocaine, 10 grams of hashish and 90 grams of ecstasy.

Additionally, the statement said the drugs were previously used as evidence in cases which were solved in the magistrates court, rendering the narcotics irrelevant hence their burning. CANU dealt with 30 cases overall and 27 ended with convictions.

In continuation, CANU expressed that efforts are being made to address the issue of drug trafficking with international cooperation through partnership with international and regional organizations.

Also, they have prioritized areas of demand reducing and insitutional strengthening, working with different agencies in this sector, conducting School Drug Prevention sensitizations across the country, and working on other projects that will help on ensuring the development of treatment and reintegration of recovering Substance Users.