CANU’s deficiencies are treatable – Ramjattan

Ramjattan confirmed that these deficiencies were unearthed during a recent investigation into the unit’s operations.

CANU’s deficiencies are treatable – Ramjattan

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Friday said that “operational but remediable deficiencies” exist within Guyana’s main drug fighting agency, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

Ramjattan confirmed that these deficiencies were unearthed during a recent investigation into the unit’s operations.

The government had ordered the investigation after self-confessed drug lord Barry Dataram had made some damning allegations of corruption within CANU.

Dataram had claimed that the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit was involved in the drug trade and that the unit had agents who were allowing cocaine to pass through the Cheddi Jagan Airport.

Although the investigation found that there was no proof to support Dataram’s claims, Ramjattan said it was found that deficiencies existed.

When contacted, CANU Head James Singh said he could not comment on the issue.

Singh, however, did not deny the claim to be true.

Ramjattan believes those deficiencies can be remedied and the government has already begun to take corrective action.

“There were deficiencies found in the operations but it said these can be remedied and should be remedied. It is not as if it is so uncommon or abnormal,” Ramjattan added.

The Minister reasoned that the treatment to address deficiencies and weaknesses should include greater coordination among the Customs and Trade Administration of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Police Force, and CANU.

He said this will be achieved through the establishment of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA), an umbrella body with responsibility for the nationwide anti-narcotics program.

Ramjattan also clarified that there has been no recent request from the United States government for Dataram to be extradited.

“They would like we keep him here,” he added.

Dataram had recently fled the country while his cocaine possession case was ongoing. He was however arrested on Suriname and returned to Guyana to serve his sentence.

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