CANU: Cocaine found in Guyana-origin containers intercepted overseas

The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) said it has been formally notified by overseas law enforcement authorities that cocaine was discovered concealed in two separate containers that originated locally.

CANU said the containers were thoroughly inspected prior to departure and no irregularities were detected at the time. The shipments, declared as rice and chemicals, were intercepted in a European territory and a South American territory.

Preliminary information indicates the containers were transshipped en route to their final destinations, and authorities believe the consignments were likely contaminated during the transshipment process. CANU noted that exploiting transshipment points to insert illicit narcotics is a known tactic used by transnational trafficking networks to bypass security measures at ports of origin.

The agency said it is working closely with its international counterparts as investigations continue but declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the inquiries.

CANU added that it is also collaborating with domestic agencies, including the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Police Force, as part of ongoing investigations.