GRA, CANU officers seize over 17kg cannabis at CJIA

In a joint operation, officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) intercepted a significant quantity of foreign cannabis at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday.

Acting on intelligence received, customs and CANU officials carried out targeted searches at the Laparkan Cargo Shed, inspecting multiple incoming barrels shipped from the United States of America. The operation led to the discovery of several transparent parcels containing cannabis.

In total, three barrels were searched. One barrel yielded 1.502 kilograms of cannabis, resulting in the arrest of Machaia Andrews of Lot 274 Section “B”, Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, and Lemme Campbell of 229 Section “C”, Enterprise, East Coast Demerara. Both individuals were taken into custody and transported to CANU Headquarters along with the seized narcotics.

A separate search of two additional barrels uncovered a further 16.4 kilograms of foreign cannabis. This prompted a follow-up investigation by CANU officers at a residence in North East La Penitence, Georgetown. There, a black garbage bag was discovered containing numerous packets of foreign zip-lock bags, small plastic containers commonly used for packaging cannabis, and rolling papers.

The combined seizures represent a total of 17.902 kilograms of cannabis. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are continuing.