Airline operators yesterday met with Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee and representatives of the law enforcement agencies to work out strategies to stamp out drugs and arms trafficking via aircraft.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the various airlines operating out of Guyana and the heads of the Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit, the Guyana Revenue Authority and also the Crime Chief.

Rohee told reporters after the meeting that the discussions were very useful, noting that they addressed the issue of drug trafficking and arms smuggling. The minister said that it was felt by many at the meeting that such a forum was long overdue. According to Rohee, the discussions were frank and the participants sought to map out a design to combat drug and arms trafficking via passengers and cargo airlines. He said that airlines have committed to have greater collaboration and cooperation with the law enforcement agencies. Rohee said that they also agreed on a course of action and a second round of discussions would take place before some of the plans and strategies are implemented.