CANU destroys over $500M worth in drugs

Ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Saturday destroyed half a billion dollars (US$2.5 million) worth in local and foreign illicit drugs, a fraction of those seized for the first half of 2023.

The destruction exercise which was conducted at the former Ministry of Housing tarmac on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, saw 1009 kilograms of marijuana being destroyed by fire.

It was witnessed by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn.

According to a CANU press statement, the narcotics were used as evidence for cases which have since concluded in the Magistrates’ court.

The statement said, from January to June, 2023, CANU seized approximately 677 kilograms of narcotics, consisting of 662 kilograms of cannabis, 14 kilograms of cocaine, 10 grams of hashish and 90 grams of ecstasy.

And deriving from this, the unit noted that it dealt with a total of 30 cases, 27 of which resulted in convictions.

Four illegal firearms and 1087 ammunition seizures also occurred, CANU added.

According to the statement, CANU has placed great emphasis on the areas of demand reduction and Institutional Strengthening collaborating with various agencies in this sector, conducting School Drug Prevention sensitizations throughout the country as well as working on other projects that will facilitate the development of treatment and reintegration of recovering Substance Users.

And to combat the issue of drug trafficking, CANU said emphasis is also being placed on International cooperation through collaboration with international and regional organisations.

“The unit remains committed to ensuring a safer country under the “One Guyana Initiative,” the statement noted.