Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum praised the dedication and professionalism of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) during the department’s Annual Awards ceremony held on Monday. Several ranks were recognized with awards and cash prizes for their exceptional work throughout the year.
“The recipients of awards have worked tirelessly this year to ensure our mandate—the prevention and detection of crime—is fulfilled without a reasonable doubt,” Blanhum stated, emphasizing the importance of their efforts.
He encouraged those who did not receive awards not to feel disheartened, reminding them that policing is a collective effort. “You are part of a team, and the success of the team is also your success,” he noted.
Blanhum highlighted a marked increase in collaboration in 2025, citing strengthened partnerships with national, regional, and international law enforcement agencies. “The fluency of collaboration was achieved and sustained during the year,” he remarked.
One of the significant operations mentioned was Operation Orca, conducted from October 15 to November 30, which involved multiple South American countries. This operation led to the removal of 18 illegal firearms from circulation, with corresponding prosecutions for those found in unlawful possession.
Additionally, a significant cybercrime breakthrough was reported in September, wherein the Turkish National Police worked alongside Guyana’s Cybercrime Unit to dismantle an online group engaged in distributing child pornography. A Guyanese national, identified as a key member of the group, has since been arrested and charged.
Blanhum assured that the CID continues to collaborate closely with international partners to tackle transnational criminal networks. He pointed out the ongoing efforts to arrest the two top leaders of the notorious R Gang, based in Venezuela, who are connected to the deadly Mobil Gas Station bombing in Guyana.
To enhance the capabilities of detectives, ongoing training initiatives were emphasized, alongside notable investigative successes in 2025, including charges in high-profile murder cases involving Jenny Mohamed, Ryan Fredericks, and Chandradeo Kumar Singh.
Major drug seizures were also highlighted, featuring:
- The interception of 26.7 pounds of cocaine valued at $18.1 million at Eugene F. Correia International Airport.
- The seizure of 113.05 pounds of cannabis worth $46.1 million at Wash Clothes Village, Mahaicony.
- Significant finds of military-grade items, including 24 tear smoke canisters, three tear gas hand grenades, and 28 AK-47 live rounds.
In various operations across the country, massive quantities of cannabis were destroyed, including those valued at:
$1 billion at Kuyorokuri Creek, Upper Berbice River
$250.4 million at Maria Henrietta, Zion, Kimbia
$688.6 million at Wilson Backdam
$571.5 million at Wuruni Savannah, Upper Berbice River
These achievements reflect the commitment of the CID to combat crime and enhance public safety in Guyana.
