The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) have clinched a MoU which will allow for the exchange of information and intelligence relating to subjects suspected to be involved in or convicted of committing drug-related offences.
A statement yesterday from the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) said that the MoU provides the necessary safeguards against the misuse of information and provides for strict confidentiality of the information exchanged between the agencies.
“This arrangement will also allow for parallel investigations to be conducted against subjects suspected to be involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. Consequently, greater efficiency and effectiveness in our fight against these crimes will produce improved outcomes. Our agencies and the nation will therefore be further compliant with their international obligations and standards relating to fighting money laundering and drug trafficking. The challenges and implications that come with non-compliance, including but not limited to blacklisting and de-risking will be further neutralised”, the statement said.
The FIU was established under the Anti-Money Launder-ing and Countering the Financ-ing of Terrorism Act of 2009. It is the primary agency responsible for the collection and analysis of financial information and the dissemination of intelligence reports to law enforcement agencies for further probing of money laundering, terrorist financing and related offences.
The statement said that drug trafficking is one of the most common predicate offences of money laundering committed in Guyana. CANU is one of the main agencies involved in the fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs.
