President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday afternoon disclosed that joint operations with regional and international partners led to a significant blow to drug trafficking networks with the seizure of US$5.1 million worth of cocaine and marijuana.
The announcement was made by the head-of-state during a press conference held at State House.
President Ali highlighted the importance of security for the nation’s stability. He disclosed that Guyana has been involved in collaborative efforts over the past months with key partners, including France, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and Brazil.
“We’ve identified a number of initiatives through which we are collaborating with and on. For example, the border security and surveillance system, we are looking to enhance border patrol activity,” Ali said.
He also shared that the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) has bolstered its operations at key border and port points through enhanced collaboration with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Ogle Airport, and the Maritime Administrative Department (MARAD). These measures he underscored, aim to combat drug trafficking effectively, especially with the increase in flights and destinations.
Ali added, “We have to ensure that our surveillance system and our border patrol control system capture all of that.”
The president disclosed that the joint operation involved agencies such as the Regional Security System (RSS), Brazilian Federal Police, the Colombian Task Force and others.
He said the operation has led to significant drug seizures and arrests. “We have had many joint intelligence and operations-led initiatives inter agency cooperation,” President Ali said. He attributed those efforts to a remarkable 797% increase in the seizure of cocaine from 2023 to 2024, with a street value of US$3 million. Additionally, he said marijuana seizures have seen an 11.2% increase, amounting to a street value of approximately US$2.1 million.
Moreover, President Ali addressed the issue of other types of drugs being imported into the country, particularly through the barrel trade. He stressed the need for strengthened systems to prevent the shipment of arms and drugs into Guyana, mentioning ongoing collaboration with US partners to enhance these measures.
