Over 519kg narcotics, 35 illegal guns & 699 ammo seized in 1st half of 2026 – CANU – INews Guyana

2026-07-19 Newsfeed

CANU Director James Singh

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has reported the historic seizures of illicit narcotics as well as guns and ammunition in the first six months of this year.

Between January and June, some 519.49 kilogrammes (kg) of narcotics (cannabis, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and ecstasy) were seized by law enforcement officers along with 35 illegal firearms and 699 rounds of ammunition.

During this period, a total of 59 persons were arrested in relation to these various discoveries – 44 of whom were formally charged. Additionally, the anti-drug agency also secured 19 convictions during the months.

According to CANU Director James Singh, these seizures reflect his agency’s unwavering committment to combatting the narcotics trade and working with international partners to tackle transnational organised crime.

See below for the full report from CANU:

The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) announces the results of its enforcement operations for the first half of 2026, recording the most significant mid-year seizure totals in the agency’s history. Between January and June 2026, CANU successfully intercepted a combined total of 519.49 kilogrammes of illicit narcotics, 35 illegal firearms, and 699 rounds of ammunition across multiple operational areas nationwide.

Narcotics Seizures

The total volume of narcotics seized during the reporting period represents a 272.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 139.5 kilogrammes were recovered. The seized substances comprised four categories: cannabis, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and ecstasy (MDMA).

Cannabis remained the highest-volume substance seized, totalling 357.28 kilogrammes, a 28.2% year-over-year increase. The largest single-month cannabis seizure occurred in March 2026, when 176.01 kilogrammes were intercepted.

Cocaine was the highest-value narcotic seized during the period. The 159.93 kilogrammes seized represent a 272% surge over the 42.97 kilogrammes recorded for the same period in 2025, driven by major interdictions in January (92.4 kg) and May (45.6 kg). At international retail prices, the cocaine alone carries an estimated value of USD $15.99 million in the United States and EUR €12.79 million across European markets.

Crystal Methamphetamine was recorded in CANU’s seizure statistics for the first time, with 1.89 kilogrammes intercepted, the overwhelming majority (1.82 kg) seized in April 2026. This marks a significant and concerning development in Guyana’s domestic drug landscape.

Ecstasy (MDMA) seizures totalled 380 grammes, with detections recorded in January and May 2026, reflecting an increase in distribution frequency compared to the single seizure event recorded for the same period in 2025.

International Valuation of Seizures

The combined seizures carry a total estimated domestic street value of GYD $339,383,500. At the international level, these narcotics represent an estimated wholesale value of approximately USD $5.72 million, with potential retail values reaching USD $20.02 million in the United States and EUR €16.02 million across European markets.

Geographic Distribution

A geographic analysis of seizure locations identifies the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) as the primary point of interdiction, accounting for 35% of all seizures during the reporting period. This is consistent with historical trends, with CJIA serving as a critical node for transnational trafficking attempts, particularly involving cocaine concealed in outbound passenger luggage and air freight. Additional seizures were recorded at land border crossings, along maritime routes, and during targeted community operations in Regions 3, 4, and 9.

Firearms and Ammunition Seizures

Alongside narcotics, CANU recovered a total of 35 illegal firearms and 699 rounds of ammunition during the first half of 2026, in comparison to 8 firearms and 76 rounds seized during the same period in 2025.

Rifles dominated the firearm seizures, accounting for 23 of the 35 weapons recovered (65.7%), followed by 6 shotguns and 7 handguns. The ammunition profile was similarly weighted toward high-powered weaponry, with 504 rounds of 7.62×39mm calibre, the standard round for AK-pattern assault rifles, accounting for the bulk of recovered rounds.

Statement from the Director

“The seizure data for the first half of 2026 reflects the unwavering commitment of every CANU officer to our core mandate,” said Mr James G. Singh, Director of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit. “The surge in cocaine seizures, the record recovery of illegal firearms, and the first-ever seizure of crystal methamphetamine on Guyanese soil are clear signals that transnational organised crime is deepening its footprint in Guyana. CANU will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to deny criminal organisations access to our communities and our markets.”

All seizure data is sourced from CANU’s internal operational database and verified by the Unit. Drug weight measurements are based on field weight. Estimated valuations are for strategic and intelligence purposes and should not be interpreted as definitive evidential market valuations.