An investigation has been launched following the discovery of cocaine valued at US$200 million that was buried close to a clandestine airstrip…
The United States provided assistance in making the finding.
The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) reports that US intelligence helped locate and remove 4.4 tons of cocaine worth about US$200 million that was headed for Europe from several holes close to an unlicensed airport in the Matthews Ridge region.
CANU’s Head James Singh told Demerara Wave Online News that the cocaine that was discovered on Saturday was headed for Europe by marine craft. “The operation was driven by intelligence regarding illegal flights into Guyana and was supported by information shared with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other international partners,” CANU said in a statement on Sunday.
The unauthorized airstrip was found thanks to the assistance of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Special Forces Unit, according to CANU.
“4.4 tons of suspected cocaine were unearthed following a search of the surrounding area,” the unit reported.
After samples were collected, the cocaine was destroyed on site.
“This seizure demonstrates the unshakable dedication of the Government and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) to fighting the drug trafficking in Guyana and working with foreign partners. The Guyanan government is moving quickly to provide the Joint Services with the equipment they need to fight drug trafficking and other illegal activities in the nation. This commitment is demonstrated by recent expenditures made in the GDF Coast Guard, Air Corps, and Guyana Police to improve border monitoring.
Arrests have not been made as of yet.
Furthermore, CANU stated that the seizure shows the faith that the Guyanese government, foreign organizations, and the Joint Services have in CANU’s capacity to carry out its duty.
Leading Guyana’s anti-narcotics operations, CANU has also been instrumental in the seizure of airplanes and semi-submersibles as well as the arrest of well-known drug dealers.
Two Venezuelans were apprehended by Guyana authorities in March after they were caught moving half a ton of cocaine down a river in a speedboat.
