Police seeing ‘improvements’ in narco fight

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded marked improvements in its fight against narcotics this year in comparison with 2010.

Statistics released by the force earlier this month indicated that in most areas the force has been able to seize sizeable quantities of narcotics. As it relates to cannabis, 121.5 acres of land was eradicated this year, compared with 104.25 last year. There has been a decline in the amount of cannabis seized by the law, as this year 4480.1 kilograms was confiscated, while in 2010 7613.5 kilos was seized.

Additionally, there was also a decline in the number of persons being charged and placed before the courts for being in possession of cannabis and related offences. One hundred and seventy-six persons were charged this year, while last year 478 persons were placed before the courts.

The quantity of cocaine (crystalline and crack) seized within the last year increased, compared with last year. In the case of crystal cocaine, 287.2 kilograms was seized this year, while last year 44 kilograms was seized. There was a small increase in the amount of crack cocaine seized, as 1.8 kilos was confiscated this year, while last year 1.5 kilos was seized.

However, there was a decline in the amount of the narcotic bagged in airport seizures. This year, 25.76 kilos was seized there, while in 2010, 45.352 kilos was seized.

This year, 91 persons were charged with cocaine related offences, while last year some 135 persons were put before the courts for being in possession of the drug or related offences.

Meanwhile, as it relates to heroine, 356 grams was seized this year in comparison with approximately 320 grams last year. The police force was also able to unearth four milligrams of Ecstasy this year, as against none last year.

The GPF has been boasting of its heightened fight against narcotics trafficking and production, and stated that it has been successful in that fight. Back in August, the Home Affairs Ministry launched its 2011 National Drug Strategy Report, with a view to improving public awareness of the country’s efforts to fight illicit drugs.

According to that report, as of November 30 last year, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force seized over 194,000kg of cannabis, valued at US$ 18 million, and approximately 140kg of cocaine, valued US$ 727,776. It added that 370 grams of heroin was also seized.

The report said that it must be recognised that the degree of success in the drug fight will depend to a great extent on effective bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It was noted that the administration will continue to explore assistance in protectorate coverage from more developed countries to effectively monitor and control the country’s extensive borders that have been exploited by drug traffickers.

With the combined efforts of CANU and the narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force, more than 194 million kilograms of illicit drugs was seized, while 657 persons were arrested last year.