The Customs Anti-Narcotic Agency (CANU) destroyed nearly 4,000 lbs of marijuana and cocaine during 2023, according to the Agency’s Head, James Singh.
In a statistical bulletin for the 2023, Singh explained that the agency conducted two separate eradication exercises, where they destroyed approximately 1686.58 kg (almost 3,719 lbs.) of narcotics, consisting of 1550.36 kg cannabis (about 3418 lbs.) and 140.69 kg (about 310.16 lbs.) of cocaine.
Additionally, Singh said the agency seized approximately 1363.28 kg of narcotics, consisting of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and hashish, with Cannabis being the most seized illicit drug, accounting for 94% of the total drugs seized for the year, with approximately 73 separate seizures.
Giving a regional breakdown for Narcotic seizers, it was noted that Region Six recorded the highest number of narcotic seizures accounting for 705.06Kg of Narcotic being seized, followed by Region Four with 152.58kg.
Further, CANU was quick to point out that older persons constitute the majority of those who were nabbed by the agency last year.
During 2023, The Unit made a total of eighty (80) arrests, consisting of seventy (70) males and ten (10) females. The age group of individuals over 50 years old constituted 48% of the overall arrests, while the age group of 18-30 years old accounted for 41% of the total.
CANU was also able to secure 47 convictions, consisting of forty-one (41) males and six (6) females last year.
The Agency has noted that despite facing numerous obstacles and evolving challenges, its efforts are ongoing to ensure safer communities.
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