The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) recorded significant operational successes during the first quarter of 2026, seizing a total of 818 pounds of narcotics while disrupting trafficking networks across multiple regions.
The Unit has also found that the East Berbice/Corentyne area is the main drug trafficking hotspot in Guyana.
In a report, CANU explained that a total of 26 drug seizures were conducted, resulting in 37 arrests, 30 charges, and 18 court cases in the first quarter of the year.
Additionally, CANU said cocaine remains the primary high-value drug, with 244 pounds seized, reinforcing Guyana’s role as a key transit point for international trafficking.
Meanwhile, CANU said cannabis accounted for the largest volume of drug seizures, with major seizures linked to local cultivation networks.
“Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) emerged as the main trafficking hotspot, based on the quantity of narcotics seized, which was primarily cannabis, followed by Regions 2 and 4, highlighting established corridors and distribution hubs. Operations also led to the seizure of 4 firearms and 166 rounds of ammunition, underscoring the link between drug trafficking and violent crime,” CANU explained.
The estimated street value of drugs seized locally exceeds G$190 million, with the international value surpassing G$1.2 billion.
CANU said it has strengthened its international cooperation and policy engagement, integrating Guyana into a more connected global drug control framework.
The unit said it has advanced a more coordinated and evidence-based approach through enhanced intelligence-sharing, strategic partnerships, and participation in regional and international initiatives.
“These efforts reflect a shift toward proactive, intelligence-led drug control, improving the country’s ability to anticipate and respond to emerging threats,” the anti-drug agency noted.
CANU said it also strengthened its Early Warning System (EWS), issuing alerts on emerging threats, including MDMA (ecstasy) circulation and illegal THC vape products, particularly targeting youth markets.
The drug enforcement body noted that over 2,400 individuals were reached through school and community outreach programmes, reinforcing prevention efforts alongside enforcement.
The Unit said it remains firmly committed to strengthening regional and international partnerships to disrupt and dismantle narcotics trafficking networks, through intelligence-led operations, real-time information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions.
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