A joint operation involving the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) resulted today in a 4,400 kilogrammes cocaine bust at Matthews Ridge, Region 1, said to be the largest in the history of Guyana.
Reporters were on hand to witness lawmen fetching out the packaged cocaine from a bushy area just off of a makeshift airstrip in the area. According to information provided the cocaine, valued at 176 million Euros, was found in four separate pits just off the airstrip and said to be camouflaged with tarpaulin and bush and packaged in what appeared to be cardboard boxes which were then sealed in transparent plastic bags.
According to information provided one person was arrested but several reportedly escaped. The cocaine was said to be destined for a European country.
CANU today issued the following statement:
• On Saturday 31st August 2024, CANU officers, in collaboration with the Guyana
Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces Unit, carried out an operation in the Region #1
area which led to the discovery of an illegal airstrip. A subsequent (search) of the surrounding area resulted in the unearthing of 4.4 tons of suspected cocaine, which has a current street value of one hundred and seventy-six million Euros (€176,000,000). This operation was driven by intelligence regarding illegal flights into Guyana and was supported by information shared with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other international partners.
• This seizure highlights the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the
Government’s unwavering commitment to combating the narcotics trade in Guyana and collaborating with international partners. The Government of Guyana is making
significant strides to equip the Joint Services with the necessary tools to combat drug trafficking and other illicit activities within the country. Recent investments in the GDF Coast Guard, Air Corps, and the Guyana Police to enhance monitoring of border regions underscore this dedication.
• This seizure also demonstrates the confidence that the Guyanese Government,
international agencies, and Joint Services have in CANU’s ability to fulfill its mandate. CANU has been leading Guyana’s anti-narcotics efforts, resulting in previous seizures of aircraft, and semi-submersibles, and the arrests of high-profile drug traffickers.
• Samples were taken and the remainder of the narcotics were destroyed. Investigations are ongoing.
