CID ranks awarded after strong year of crime-fighting

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Monday commended the dedication, professionalism, and achievements of the ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) during the department’s Annual Awards ceremony.

Several ranks received awards and cash prizes for their work throughout the year.

“Those recipients of awards have worked tirelessly this year to ensure our mandate, which is the prevention and detection of crime, is fulfilled without a reasonable doubt,” Blanhum said.

The Crime Chief also used the opportunity to urge ranks who did not receive awards not to feel deterred or disappointed, and instead reminded them that policing is a team effort.

“You are part of a team, and the success of the team is also your success,” he said.

Highlighting an increase in collaboration during 2025, Blanhum cited strengthened cooperation with national, regional, and international law enforcement agencies.

“The fluency of collaboration was achieved and sustained during the year 2025,” he stated.

Among the major operations highlighted was Operation Orca, conducted between October 15 and November 30, involving Guyana and other South American countries. Following the operation, detectives working alongside anti-crime patrol ranks, removed 18 illegal firearms from circulation, and those found in unlawful possession were prosecuted.

Blanhum also referenced a significant cybercrime breakthrough in September, when the Turkish National Police, working with Guyana’s Cybercrime Unit, dismantled an online group engaged in the distribution of child pornography. The group comprised members of multiple nationalities.

One Guyanese national, identified as an integral member of the group, has been arrested and charged. Investigations revealed that he admitted to participating in the exchange of child pornography videos and photographs with other members.

Blanhum said the CID continues to work closely with international partners to suppress, disrupt, and indict transnational criminal networks. He also cited the notorious R Gang, based in neighbouring Venezuela, whose members were responsible for the deadly Mobil Gas Station bombing in Guyana. Without prejudice to ongoing court proceedings, he said efforts are underway with other law enforcement agencies to arrest the gang’s two top leaders, both Venezuelan nationals, and have them prosecuted in Guyana.

The Crime Chief further emphasised ongoing efforts to enhance the performance of detectives through continuous training.

Blanhum also highlighted notable investigative successes during the year. These include suspects charged for the murders involving Jenny Mohamed, Ryan Fredericks, and Chandradeo Kumar Singh.

Major drug seizures and prosecutions included; the discovery of ammunition and military-grade items, including 24 tear smoke canisters, three tear gas hand grenades, one AK-47 magazine housing, one .32 magazine, and 28 AK-47 live rounds; the interception of 26.7 pounds of cocaine valued at $18.1 million at Eugene F. Correia International Airport and the seizure of 113.05 pounds of cannabis valued at $46.1 million at Wash Clothes Village, Mahaicony.

Additionally, massive quantities of cannabis were destroyed during operations across the country, including; $1 billion worth at Kuyorokuri Creek, Upper Berbice River; $250.4 million at Maria Henrietta, Zion, Kimbia; $688.6 million at Wilson Backdam and $571.5 million at Wuruni Savannah, Upper Berbice River.