Ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) on Saturday destroyed over $500 million worth of marijuana seized over the last year.
The exercise was conducted at the former Ministry of Housing site along Homestretch Avenue, where over 1,526 kilogrammes of marijuana, with a street value of US$2.5 million (equivalent to GY$523,979,000), were destroyed by fire.
The drugs are from matters that are no longer engaging the attention of the courts.
CANU Head James Singh yesterday told reporters that the drugs were seized at various ports across the country as well as the post offices and residents.
He said the majority of the marijuana that was destroyed was imported.
Singh lauded the Joint Services for their continuous support, which he said resulted in the interception of the illegal drugs. “These operations have been as a result of the support given from the Ministry of Home Affairs as well as other Joint Services including the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force,” he said.
The operation was overseen by Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Mae Thomas. Officials from the Guyana Fire Service including Officer-in-Charge of the Central Fire station, Otis Charles, were also present to ensure the safety of the operation.
