Over 500kg of narcotics, 35 illegal firearms and 699 ammo seized this year – CANU

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has reported that it has seized 519.49 kilogrammes of illicit narcotics, 35 illegal firearms, and 699 rounds of ammunition between January and June this year.

In a statement on Saturday evening, the Unit said its record is the largest compared to the same period in previous years.

The total volume of narcotics seized during the reporting period represents a 272.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 139.5 kilogrammes were recovered. The seized substances comprised four categories: cannabis, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and ecstasy.

Cannabis remained the highest-volume substance seized, totalling 357.28 kilogrammes, a 28.2% year-over-year increase. The largest single-month cannabis seizure occurred in March 2026, when 176.01 kilogrammes were intercepted.

CANU said Cocaine was the highest-value narcotic seized during the period. The 159.93 kilogrammes seized represent a 272% surge over the 42.97 kilogrammes recorded for the same period in 2025, driven by major interdictions in January (92.4 kg) and May (45.6 kg). At international retail prices, the cocaine alone carries an estimated value of USD $15.99 million in the United States and EUR €12.79 million across European markets.

Meanwhile, Crystal Methamphetamine was recorded in CANU’s seizure statistics for the first time, with 1.89 kilogrammes intercepted, the overwhelming majority (1.82 kg) seized in April 2026. This marks a significant and concerning development in Guyana’s domestic drug landscape.

Ecstasy (MDMA) seizures totalled 380 grammes, with detections recorded in January and May 2026, reflecting an increase in distribution frequency compared to the single seizure event recorded for the same period in 2025.

The combined seizures carry a total estimated domestic street value of GYD $339,383,500.

“At the international level, these narcotics represent an estimated wholesale value of approximately USD $5.72 million, with potential retail values reaching USD $20.02 million in the United States and EUR €16.02 million across European markets,” the law enforcement agency said.

A geographic analysis of seizure locations identifies the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) as the primary point of interdiction, accounting for 35% of all seizures during the reporting period. This is consistent with historical trends, CANU said, with CJIA serving as a critical node for transnational trafficking attempts, particularly involving cocaine concealed in outbound passenger luggage and air freight. Additional seizures were recorded at land border crossings, along maritime routes, and during targeted community operations in Regions 3, 4, and 9.

Alongside narcotics, CANU said the illegal firearms recovered and ammunition is significantly high in comparison to 8 firearms and 76 rounds seized during the same period in 2025.

Rifles dominated the firearm seizures, accounting for 23 of the 35 weapons recovered (65.7%), followed by 6 shotguns and 7 handguns. The ammunition profile was similarly weighted toward high-powered weaponry, with 504 rounds of 7.62×39mm calibre, the standard round for AK-pattern assault rifles, accounting for the bulk of recovered rounds.

According to James G. Singh, Director of CANU, “the seizure data for the first half of 2026 reflects the unwavering commitment of every CANU officer to our core mandate.”

“The surge in cocaine seizures, the record recovery of illegal firearms, and the first-ever seizure of crystal methamphetamine on Guyanese soil are clear signals that transnational organised crime is deepening its footprint in Guyana. CANU will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to deny criminal organisations access to our communities and our markets.”

In a separate statement, he extended gratitude to all officers who worked on the cases. “The record-breaking seizures we have achieved this year are a direct reflection of your sacrifice and commitment to protecting Guyana. I am immensely proud of each and every one of you,” Singh said.

He also extended gratitude to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and all joint service partners.

The agency said all seizure data is sourced from CANU’s internal operational database and verified by the Unit. Further, it said drug weight measurements are based on field weight while estimated valuations are for strategic and intelligence purposes and should not be interpreted as definitive evidential market valuations.