More than 100 pounds of cocaine was seized along with an UZI firearm and ammunition on Friday during an operation by the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit in Corriverton, Berbice.
Two men, identified as Ravindra Sanakumar and Amrishkoemar Mathoera, were arrested during the operation and are expected to face drug trafficking and other charges.
In a statement this morning, CANU indicated that it was carrying out an intelligence-led operation in the Corriverton area at a premises when the large quantity of cocaine along with the gun and ammunition were found.
The cocaine was found in 40 brick-like parcels. CANU said preliminary tests confirmed the substance to be cocaine, leading to the arrest of the two men at the location and the seizure of the firearm and ammunition that were also found at the same location.
According to CANU, the seized cocaine carries a street value of more than $50 million and could be sold for much more on the European market, where it is suspected the cocaine might have been headed.
CANU said the seizure highlights its continued commitment to disrupting transnational narcotics trafficking networks, intercepting illicit drug shipments destined for international markets, and removing illegal firearms from communities.
The operation represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Guyana and underscores the dangers posed by international narcotics smuggling networks operating in the region.
