GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Jul. 19. CMC – The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit says it seized more than 519 kilogrammes of illegal drugs, 35 firearms and 699 rounds of ammunition during the first six months of 2026.
In a statement issued on Saturday, CANU said the seizures were the largest recorded for the January-to-June period and represented a significant increase over the same period last year.
The 519.49 kilogrammes of narcotics recovered represented a 272.4 per cent increase over the 139.5 kilogrammes seized during the first half of 2025. The drugs included cannabis, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and ecstasy.
Cannabis accounted for the largest volume, with 357.28 kilogrammes seized, an increase of 28.2 per cent over the previous year. The largest monthly cannabis seizure occurred in March, when officers intercepted 176.01 kilogrammes.
CANU said cocaine was the most valuable drug seized. Officers recovered 159.93 kilogrammes, up from 42.97 kilogrammes during the corresponding period in 2025. The increase was largely attributed to major seizures in January and May.
The cocaine was estimated to have a retail value of US$15.99 million in the United States and €12.79 million in European markets.
Crystal methamphetamine also appeared in CANU’s seizure statistics for the first time, with 1.89 kilogrammes intercepted. Most of the drug was seized during an operation in April.
Ecstasy seizures totalled 380 grammes, with recoveries recorded in January and May.
CANU estimated the combined domestic street value of the seized narcotics at GUY$339.38 million. Internationally, the drugs were valued at approximately US$5.72 million wholesale, with potential retail values of US$20.02 million in the United States and €16.02 million in Europe.
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport accounted for 35 per cent of all seizures and remained the principal point of interdiction, particularly for cocaine concealed in outbound passenger luggage and air cargo.
Other drugs were seized at land border crossings, along maritime routes and during targeted operations in Regions Three, Four and Nine.
CANU also reported a sharp increase in firearms and ammunition seizures compared with the same period last year, when eight firearms and 76 rounds were recovered.
Rifles accounted for 23 of the 35 firearms seized, while officers also recovered six shotguns and seven handguns. Most of the ammunition comprised 7.62×39mm rounds commonly used in AK-pattern rifles.
CANU Director James Singh said the figures reflected the commitment of the unit’s officers to disrupting drug trafficking and other organised criminal activity.
CMC/gy/kb/2026