While the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) intensified enforcement operations across Guyana in 2025, official figures reveal a notable gap between the number of persons arrested, those formally charged and cases that ultimately resulted in convictions.
CANU recorded a total of 117 arrests for narcotics-related offences during the year. Of that number, 62 persons were charged, meaning just over half of those detained were brought before the courts to answer formal allegations. The Unit attributed this disparity to ongoing investigations, evidentiary thresholds, intelligence-led operations and cases where suspects were released after inquiries failed to meet prosecutorial standards.
From those charged, the judicial system secured 29 convictions by the end of 2025, reflecting a conviction rate of just under 47 per cent of all charged matters, and roughly 25 per cent of total arrests made during the year.
A breakdown of convictions shows that cocaine-related cases accounted for the largest share, with 14 convictions secured. Cannabis offences followed closely with 12 convictions, while three convictions were linked to synthetic drugs, including ecstasy and cannabis products. Sentences ranged from fines to custodial terms of up to four years, depending on the quantity of drugs involved and evidence of trafficking intent. Fines imposed by the courts reached as high as GYD $311 million.
CANU’s data also highlighted clear demographic and temporal trends. Approximately 82 per cent of those arrested were male, consistent with global patterns in drug-related crime. Arrests peaked during the months of April, May, July and September, periods authorities say coincided with heightened operational activity and targeted intelligence-driven interventions.
Despite the lower conversion of arrests into charges and convictions, CANU maintains that intelligence-led policing remains central to dismantling organised trafficking networks rather than simply boosting arrest figures. Officials noted that some operations are designed to gather intelligence, disrupt supply chains and identify higher-level actors, outcomes that do not always translate into immediate charges.
The Unit has also pointed to strengthened inter-agency collaboration with prosecutors, forensic analysts and international partners as critical to improving case quality and conviction outcomes. Enhanced forensic support, digital evidence handling and early prosecutorial input are expected to narrow the gap between arrests and successful prosecutions going forward.
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