Guyana seizes 4,400 kilograms of cocaine in largest ever drug bust

The Authorities of Guyana have seized more than 8,000 pounds (4,400 kilograms) of cocaine found in a lush jungle at Matthews Ridge, Region 1, which is located near the border with Venezuela. This seizure is the largest in the history of Guyana, which was the result of a joint operation that was conducted on Saturday, August 31.

The successful joint operation was led by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). It resulted in the successful seizure of an illegal airstrip; the narcotics found inside are valued at around USD 200 Million, shared by Security Minister Robeson Benn.

It is to be noted that the operation was conducted after the intelligence received the information regarding the illegal flights landing in Guyana. After which Guyana immediately shared the information with its international partners.

The official shared that the drugs were found in four different earthen pits in the northwest region of Guyana.

Additionally, the reporters were also present on the site while the investigation was going on and while the officers retrieved packaged cocaine from a densely green area. It is reported that the packages were covered with tarps and leaves and packed in cardboard boxes that were wrapped in clear plastic bags to hide.

Further, the Police officials shared that they have arrested one suspect and said they are looking for two more who fled the scene. Also, they revealed that the cocaine was to be sent to the European country.

CANU officials appreciated the officers and security organizations involved in this joint operation. Further, CANU has been leading Guyana’s anti-narcotics efforts, which have resulted in previous seizures of aircraft and semi-submersibles and the arrests of high-profile drug traffickers.

Security Minister Robeson Benn stated, “We are happy that we have the DEA with us sharing information and intelligence.” “Guyana is a victim of this … illegal activity. We don’t produce cocaine; we don’t transit it,” he further added.

CANU, in its statement, revealed that the samples had been taken of the seized material and the remaining narcotics were destroyed.

It further shared that further investigations are ongoing.