PNCR raises doubt over any serious investigation into Matthew's Ridge drug find

The Opposition People’s National Congress Reform today said it is in not anticipating any serious investigation, as promised by the Government, into the multi-billion dollar drug bust at Matthew’s Ridge in Region One.

In a statement today, the PNC said that the drug bust has raised serious national security concerns, adding that the operation has exposed several breaches and failings which, if not vigorously confronted and addressed, could see Guyana remaining a major transshipment point for drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

“Those concerns and implications relate to the undetected construction and maintenance of illegal airstrips on our territory. Constructing and preserving airstrips in Guyana’s hinterland would require the use of manpower and heavy-duty machinery, involve noisy and extensive deforestation and construction operations, and leave telltale footprints that could be easily detectable from the ground and air. How could such airstrips be constructed in secrecy is a question the government must answer. If, as reported, that such airstrips are monitored by the GDF, why are they not promptly destroyed as a matter of policy?” the PNC/R questioned.

The Opposition party said there are still doubts over the ability of the country’s security forces to detect and track illegal flights into the country’s airspace. Against this backdrop, the party said adequate satellite and ground surveillance systems must be put in place to detect and track all flights into and over Guyana, whether legal or illegal.

The party also noted the reported exclusion of the Guyana Police Force in the operation.

“For a major arm of our law enforcement apparatus to be sidelined, distrusted, and likely compromised amounts to a national crisis. Such a Police Force constitutes a national security threat in itself. We, in the PNCR/APNU, have repeatedly raised the alarm over this crisis in policing in Guyana,” the party said.

The party again restate calls for government to ensure a professional security sector especially police force which can head-on tackle drug trafficking.

“The Mathews Ridge drug bust raises more points of concern than praise. Given the PPP’s record, we do not anticipate any serious investigation or major arrests. As the next government, we will confront drug trafficking not only as a criminal enterprise, but as a danger and threat to our national security and territorial integrity,” the party said.