Guyana has been lauded by the United States for its robust and expanding efforts to combat drug trafficking through strong partnerships with international agencies and regional allies.
The recognition comes as Guyana continues to strengthen its legislative and operational frameworks aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations and curbing the flow of illicit drugs through its borders. U.S. officials highlighted the country’s commitment to information sharing, joint operations, and the implementation of modern detection and interdiction techniques.
Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force have played pivotal roles in these initiatives, conducting numerous joint eradication operations that have resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics and the dismantling of illegal cultivation fields. These actions are supported by the Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN), which provides up-to-date data to inform policy and operational decisions.
Internationally, Guyana has deepened cooperation with the United States under mechanisms such as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, and has also established bilateral agreements with neighboring countries including Brazil, Suriname, and Colombia. These partnerships focus on intelligence sharing, border security, and coordinated law enforcement actions to intercept drug shipments and dismantle trafficking networks.
The U.S. State Department, in its latest International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, described Guyana as a “close partner†in the global fight against narcotics, citing its willingness to engage in joint investigations, share intelligence, and adopt best practices for interdiction and prosecution.
Guyana’s efforts are further reinforced by targeted training for law enforcement, the use of specialized investigative tools, and ongoing reforms to strengthen anti-money laundering frameworks. The country’s national drug strategy, updated to align with international standards, emphasizes prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, alongside aggressive supply reduction measures.
While challenges remain, including the need for greater resources and continued vigilance against evolving trafficking methods, Guyana’s progress and its collaborative approach have positioned it as a key player in the regional fight against drug trafficking, earning the respect and support of major international partners.
