Dear Editor,
I refer to a letter and a news item in your publications of June 25, 2010 and June 27, 2010 respectively pertaining to the search of Dr. David Hinds at the airport and wish to state categorically that the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) does not conduct operations based on malice, vindictiveness or political directives.
CANU takes umbrage to the references in the articles which seek to politicize a routine function of any CANU Officer stationed at any port of entry/exit in Guyana, hence my letter.
Further, it should be noted that the Officer who conducted the search of Dr. Hinds’ suitcase did not tell Mr. Hinds that “he had orders/instructions from his superiors to search the luggage”. On the contrary, it was Dr. Hinds who told the CANU Officer that he anticipated being searched. During the search, a bottle of achar belonging to Dr. Hinds fell and broke. The CANU Officer apologized to Dr. Hinds and informed him that the Unit would be prepared to compensate him; Dr. Hinds however declined the offer.
I wish to confirm that CANU continues to perform as a professional Unit and seeks at all times to operate in accordance with its mandate.
Yours faithfully,
James Singh
Head
Customs Anti Narcotic Unit