CANU seizes over $440M in illicit drugs last year

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit has reported that it has seized over $443 million of illicit drugs in 2025 during a collaborative effort with key national stakeholders, thus improving information sharing, joint operations, and coordinated responses to drug-related threats.

Statistics released by the Unit on Monday showed that it seized 235.9 kg of cocaine, 726.3 kg of cannabis, 674 grams of ecstasy, 83 grams of methamphetamine, and 9.16 grams of cannabis products between January 1 and December 31 last year.

The estimated cost for the seized drugs is $433,973,770: $235.9 million worth of cocaine and $197.7 million worth of cannabis, which represent 99% of the total street value.

According to the drug enforcement body, the statistics showed that cocaine and cannabis remained the two dominant threats, representing the majority of trafficking attempts into and through Guyana.

This, however, CANU stated, represents a major reduction in cocaine quantities compared to 2024, linked to a single extraordinary seizure that occurred in Region One the previous year.

The statistics also showed that the highest cocaine seizures of 172.8kg were recorded in Region Four, while Region Six recorded the highest cannabis seizure of 576kg.

Further, synthetic drugs appeared in small but increasing quantities, prompting continued monitoring by the Early Warning System.

With respect to arrests and charges, there were 117 arrests made, with 62 persons being charged in 2025. The report stated that approximately 82 percent of all arrests were male, consistent with global drug-crime patterns. The highest arrests, according to CANU, occurred in the months of April, May, July, and September.

However, 29 drug-related convictions were secured during the year, with 14 for cocaine and 12 for cannabis, while three were convicted for ecstasy and cannabis products. In addition, a whopping $ 311 million was collected in fines, with sentences extended up to four years depending on the quantity and trafficking intent.

Meanwhile, the agency reported that it has seized 13 firearms in 2025, with 9mm pistols being the most common weapon type. Half of all firearms recovered were directly linked to narcotic trafficking operations.

According to the report, ammunition seizures declined by 62 percent, but the presence of 9mm and shotgun ammunition reflects continued overlap between drug and firearm networks.

Throughout 2025, the Unit intensified intelligence-driven interdiction operations, targeting trafficking routes, organized criminal networks, and high-risk ports and border points.

These operations contributed to significant seizures, arrests, and case development, reinforcing Guyana’s role as an active disruptor rather than a passive transit point within regional trafficking networks.