The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) has improved its intelligence gathering capacity, as indicated by the increase in tip-offs received from the public in 2018.
The anti-drugs agency, in its 2018 annual report, said that it was able to improve on “its intelligence gathering capabilities…through the employment of more undercover officers, the recruitment of more reliable sources and continuous support from citizens.”
CANU said in 2018 it recorded an increase in phone calls and persons visiting its headquarters offering tips on suspicious narcotics activities. The agency said the increase in tip-offs is testimony to the confidence placed in it by the public.
The report noted that the real-time sharing of intelligence has resulted in the arrest of several persons who would have swallowed cocaine-filled pellets upon their arrival at their final destination.
CANU noted that their partnership with regional and international counterparts has been unwavering and they have been able to exchange critical information, which has led to the seizure of narcotics in other countries involving Guyanese nationals.
It was stated that with information gathered through the unit’s intelligence department, they were able to share information on money laundering activities with the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). With the sharing of information between the agencies, CANU money laundering investigations were launched and charges were brought against some narcotics traffickers.
Additionally, the anti-drug agency said that for the reporting year, 82 operations were conducted. This, the agency said, is an increase in snap operations when compared to 47 in 2017. A majority of operations were carried out in several administrative regions and resulted in narcotics being confiscated, traffickers being arrested and prosecuted, and their assets being seized and forfeited.
CANU, in its report, stated that while out of town operations in regions 2, 6 and 9 proved to be costly and required extensive and detailed planning, it gave officers a better understanding of the environment. The knowledge gained from those operations will be used for future operations.
Over the year, CANU said it also collaborated with the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force. In those joint operations, the agency said they were able to make seizures of narcotics, arms and ammunition.
The report highlighted that 32 cases were made out in 2018 as against 22 in 2017. It was noted that a total of 61 persons were charged and they were able to convict 14 persons for their involvement in trafficking narcotics. Several cases from 2018 are still being heard in courts.
