Cocaine worth $50 million, illegal gun seized in Berbice

 Officers of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) seized over 45 kilogrammes (or about 99 pounds) of suspected cocaine and an illegal firearm in a Berbice operation. The cocaine is worth about $50 million.

In a CANU release, it was noted that ranks, acting on information received on Friday, conducted an intelligence-led operation at a premises in Springlands, Corriverton, Berbice, which resulted in the seizure of a quantity of suspected cocaine and the discovery of an illegal firearm with ammunition.

During the operation, officers searched two cardboard boxes and discovered 40 brick-like parcels containing a whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine. A preliminary narcotic field test returned positive results for cocaine. Subsequent searches also led to the discovery of an EKOL ASI UZI firearm fitted with a magazine containing a quantity of ammunition.

Two individuals were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the suspected narcotics and firearm. The narcotic tested positive for cocaine, weighing approximately 45.644 kilogrammes (about 100 pounds). The narcotics carried an estimated street value of approximately GYD $50 million locally and almost €1.575 million in the European market. Preliminary investigations indicate that the shipment was destined for Europe.

Investigations remain ongoing.

“The seizure highlights CANU’s continued commitment to disrupting transnational narcotics trafficking networks, intercepting illicit drug shipments destined for international markets, and removing illegal firearms from communities. CANU further reiterates that intelligence-led operations and regional cooperation remain critical in safeguarding Guyana’s borders and national security,” CANU said.