Authorities are conducting investigations following two significant seizures executed by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The operations, which took place in Georgetown and Berbice, led to the recovery of multiple firearms, ammunition, and a substantial quantity of mercury.
Firearms and Ammunition Seized at Sheriff Street
At approximately 9:00 PM on Sunday, CANU officers, acting on intelligence reports, launched an operation on Sheriff Street in Georgetown. During the operation, they observed a motor vehicle parked along the western side of the road and approached the driver, identified as a 37-year-old businessman from Bladen Hall, East Coast Demerara.
A search of the suspect revealed a Glock 17 pistol in his possession, loaded with seven live 9mm rounds of ammunition. Further inspection of the vehicle yielded an AK-47 rifle—although without ammunition—along with nineteen live rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition and a Taurus pistol, which also lacked ammunition.
While the businessman possessed a valid firearm license for the Glock 17, he was unable to provide licenses for the AK-47 and Taurus pistols. He was subsequently arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters, where the firearms and ammunition were handed over to the Guyana Police Force for processing. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Quantity of Mercury Seized at Crabwood Creek
In a separate operation earlier the same day, CANU officers intercepted a motor vehicle in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. Upon searching the vehicle, they discovered several parcels containing mercury, a highly toxic and strictly regulated substance.
The suspect connected to this seizure was also arrested and transported to CANU Headquarters for questioning. Preliminary evaluations estimate the street value of the recovered mercury at approximately GYD $18 million. The hazardous substance has since been handed over to the Ministry of Natural Resources for proper processing and disposal. The suspect remains in police custody as investigations are ongoing.
Authorities have confirmed that the inquiries into both cases are continuing, as they seek to address the illegal possession of firearms and the trafficking of toxic materials.
