Gov’t seeks U.S. intel following drug trafficking sanctions; President says investment in security part of response

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday night responded to the United States’ recent decision to impose sanctions on four Guyanese nationals for drug trafficking, affirming that his government has already requested additional information from U.S. authorities to support a thorough local investigation.

The President disclosed that he has spoken directly with the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana and requested all available intelligence to aid local law enforcement agencies. Among those sanctioned is Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh of the Guyana Police Force, who has since been placed on administrative leave in keeping with standard procedures.

“These developments are being taken seriously. I’ve already spoken with the Ambassador and requested all the relevant information so that we can take the appropriate action locally,” President Ali said in an invited comment on the sidelines of a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Thursday sanctioned ten individuals, including four Guyanese: Senior Superintendent Sawh, Paul Daby Jr., Mark Cromwell—also known as ‘Demon’ and ‘Diamond’—and Randolph Duncan. The move follows a similar round of sanctions a year ago that targeted prominent businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Thomas.

President Ali said the latest sanctions reaffirm the importance of Guyana’s security partnership with the United States, especially in light of concerns that the country is being used as a transhipment point for narcotics. He said the government is ramping up investment in border control, surveillance, and screening technology.

“We have a very strong bilateral partnership on security. We’re working with the U.S. on port and border security, and we’ve already started to see results,” he said.

“We’re also investing in scanners and other technologies that will help us strengthen our national security framework.”

Asked whether he felt blindsided by the sanctions, President Ali declined to use that term but acknowledged the complexities involved. He emphasised that Guyana and the U.S. have maintained ongoing security cooperation and intelligence sharing, including in matters concerning the individuals recently sanctioned.

“There has always been partnership and sharing of information. I’m sure there was engagement from the security front before the sanctions were issued,” the President noted.

He also indicated that further administrative and possibly legal actions would follow depending on the outcome of local investigations.

“The police officer will have to proceed accordingly. Once we receive the information from the U.S., we will ensure the necessary steps are taken,” he said.