NATIONAL DRUG REPORT 2010 - Ministry of Public …mops.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/national-drug-report-2010.pdfNATIONAL DRUG REPORT 2010 1 NATIONAL ... which can scarcely support

NATIONAL DRUG REPORT 2010


1

NATIONAL

DRUG REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2010

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown


2

NATIONAL DRUG REPORT

FOR THE YEAR 2010

GENERAL

The national drug phenomenon involves facets such as the production of marijuana, the illegal

transhipment of cocaine, trafficking, and money laundering. However it is the international

trafficking of drugs that best highlights the gradual emergence of Guyana as a transhipment point

for cocaine. Aspects of both the Caribbean’s physical and social geography make Guyana one of

the conduits for the movement of cocaine produced in the Andean states of South America and

the lucrative markets of the major drug consuming countries of North America and Europe.

Some marijuana is also smuggled out of Guyana. Nonetheless, quantities of drugs shipped

through Guyana are considered to have only an insignificant effect on the major drug consuming

states of North America and Europe and therefore does not attract much necessary

resources/support from these states, who themselves have great difficulty to effectively control

the flow of illicit drugs into their ports and borders. The US International Narcotics Control

Strategy Report 2009-2010 on Guyana reflects this reality.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2010 reveals that

global cocaine seizures have stabilised over the last few years. Seizures have declined in North

America and Europe, but have risen in South and Central America. Trafficking through West

Africa, which increased rapidly between 2004 and 2007, appears to have declined between 2008

and 2010.

This report provides a synopsis of Guyana’s national drug control situation from January to

November 2010. It describes major national counter narcotic initiatives and summarizes the

broad range of drug control policy tools currently used in Guyana to deal with the prevailing

supply and demand control situation.

National capacity to commit sufficient resources to combat the illegal drug trade is constrained

by the necessity to satisfy demands for resources from the other sectors of the economy e.g. the

Health and Education Sectors. The donor community can do a lot more to support Guyana’s

efforts in the fight against drug strategy. Guyana’s President has always lamented the meagre


3

financial assistance, which can scarcely support two months salaries for CANU ranks, from the

US administration.

The Government of Guyana continues to exert every effort in respect of the fight against the

illicit drug trade. While Guyana has demonstrated the will and focus to counter the drug trade,

the country has consistently demanded that more resources are required to address the problem.

There is need to strengthen International, Regional and Hemispheric Cooperation to fight this

global problem.

While the country faces the challenge of finding the right balance between the facilitation of the

institutional arrangement for the free movement of goods, people and money, in the final

analysis, the balance is in favour of legitimate activities. In finding the right balance these

institutional arrangement are working to ensure strict drug control measures.

The Executive Arm of the Government through the Steering Committee of the National Anti-

Narcotic Commission (NANCOM) is involved in all aspects of national drug control policy

measures, regularly conducting oversight activities on the implementation of the National Drug

Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) 2005 – 2009 and other counter drug programmes. This Steering

Committee comprises Ministers and Heads of the following Ministries and Agencies:

Ministry of Home Affairs

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Human Services and Social Security

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Labour

Ministry of Legal Services

Guyana Defence Force

Guyana Police Force

Guyana Revenue Authority

Customs Anti Narcotics Unit

Criminal Investigation Department


4

The Government of Guyana in 2010 continued to place significant emphasis on the issue of

drugs and the resulting national and international implications. Guyana is of the view that both

supply reduction and demand reduction must be given prominence if there is to be success in the

combating of drugs. This corresponds with the policies of the United Nations Office on Drug and

Crime, the Organisation of American States / Inter American Drug Abuse Control Commission

(OAS/CICAD) and Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) DRUG COUNCIL.

The Government of Guyana, as part of its strategy to address the drug trade, considers it

necessary that drug gangs, their networks and the seizure and forfeiture of their assets is a top

priority. At the same time, it is recognised that the degree of success in this regard will depend to

a great extent on effective bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Any successful response to the illicit drug trade given its transnational nature, however well

formulated and implemented, cannot be limited to national boundaries. As in other regions of the

world, only an international response to an international problem can be truly effective. Global

coordination is vital for lasting success in combating the international drug trade. Yet in spite of

numerous declarations, memoranda, conferences and initiatives, regional and international

cooperation in counter-narcotics, there is still much room for improvements.


5

As meaningful regional cooperative mechanisms are slowly evolving, the Government of

Guyana has devised its own conceptual and organizational approach to the problem while

ensuring that related international obligations are given full consideration. Guyana has inter alia,

ratified the three drug- related treaties that underpin all the operational work of the United

Nations Office on Drugs and Crime those being:

a. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

b. Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

c. Convention against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Guyana is party to the Inter-American Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, the

UN Convention Against Corruption, the UN Convention Against Organisational Crime, and the

Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

Guyana is also an active participating member State of the Organisation of American States

Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) and is fully compliant with the on-


6

going Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism. Guyana is also working to achieve compliance with

the Hemispheric Drug Strategy of that Commission.

Guyana has continued to promote its bilateral agreements with Venezuela, Brazil, Cuba,

Colombia and Suriname. All those agreements with regional countries in the main are to

facilitate bilateral cooperation for the prevention of trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic

substances, guns and other contraband.

Other regional cooperation initiatives recently undertaken by Guyana and neighbouring countries

that will impact counter narcotic efforts in the region are:

a. Membership of the International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) and Chair of the

Working Group of the Caribbean Region targeting Regional Drug Trafficking.

b. Organisation and conduct of bilateral meeting, in March, 2010 between the Ministry of

Home Affairs of Guyana and the Ministry of Justice and Police of Suriname. A follow up

meeting is scheduled for 28th

– 29th

April, 2011.

c. Revision of the Agreement of Cooperation between Guyana and Venezuela on the

Prevention of Illegal Consumption and the Suppression of Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic

Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors, as well as Related Offences,

was negotiated during 2010.

d. In view of the opening of bridge over the border river Takutu, the Foreign Ministries of

Brazil and Guyana have held discussions aimed at strengthening the security

arrangements to deal with the likely increase in the movement of people and goods.

e. Collaborating with the United States of America, through the Caribbean Basin Initiative

(CBSI), in enhancing national counter narcotic operations.


7

The fight against Drug trafficking is a costly affair that often requires the diversion of funds from

other vital sectors of the economy. A good case in point is the G$900M spent in 2010 by the

Government on the National Intelligence Centre and Close Circuit Television surveillance

systems. Such measures together with closer collaboration between law enforcement agencies

would greatly enhance other national efforts in the fight against drug trafficking. To quote from

The World Drug Report 2010 of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime “Another lesson is

that countries with limited means cannot resist and counter the impact of, powerful

transnational trafficking flows on their own.” The increased provision of technical and

financial assistance by the international community is therefore essentially needed to help

Guyana overcome these constraints.

NATIONAL INITIATIVES

Notwithstanding these limitations, several programmes of the National Drug Strategy Master

Plan 2005 - 2009 were successfully implemented under the four (4) broad areas: supply control,

prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and institutional and managerial framework. Thirty

three (33) of the thirty six (36) programmes of the Strategy were implemented. Nineteen (19)


8

programmes are however incomplete and are still on-going. (See attached list). Preliminary

arrangements have already been initiated for the formulation of a new National Drug Strategy

Master Plan (2011-2016) to take into account the changing international and domestic drug

situation.

Government has nevertheless expended significant sums of money to fight the existing scourge

at the level of supply control, demand reduction and institutional development. The inter-

sectorial and cross cutting nature of government interventions make it difficult to identify a

definitive appropriation of funds for spending on counter drug activities.

Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have made significant

strides in strengthening their approaches as it relates to the drug fight. All shipping containers

leaving Guyana are subject to security checks of one kind or another. Together, these two

enforcement agencies have seized over 194,000 kgs of cannabis as at 30 Nov 2010, valued at US

$18M and approximately 140 kgs of cocaine valued at US$727,776. Three hundred and seventy

seven grams of heroin were also seized. The number of persons arrested for possession and

trafficking in Narcotics over the reporting period was 657 with over 77% for Cannabis offences.

Most of those arrested were in the 20 - 34 and above 35 age groups.

See details in table below:


SER. MONTH DRUG TYPE ARRESTS LOCATION OF SEIZURE QUANTITY SEIZED

1. 0

1 JAN

Cannabis 54 Band Hall Corentyne River 1 acre 31 kg 134.75 gr

Cocaine 21 Bass, CJIA 15kg 588.75 g

2. 0

2 FEB

Cannabis 54 Sand Hills Berbice River – 2 acres 9353 kg 993 gr

Cocaine 14 GPOC, CJIA 20 kg 448 g

3. 0

3 MAR

Cannabis 79 Gateroy Berbice River – 18 acres + Gateroy and Sand Hills Bce River – 14 ½ acres, 58,010 kg 177.5 g

Cocaine 16 CJIA, GPOC, Residence 14 kg 419.5g

Heroin - GPOC 21 g

4. 0

4 APR

Cannabis 64 Baracara Canje Creek – ½ acres, Dehoop Backdam Bce River – 32 acres. 18,665 kg 559.5 g

Cocaine 13 GPOC 3 kg 936 g

Heroin - -------- 356 g

5. 0

5 MAY

Cannabis 33 Residence 6,156 kg 738 g

Cocaine 14 Wharf, GPOC, Residence 13 kg 726 g

6. 0

6 JUN

Cannabis 43 Gateroy Bce River – 6 acres, Kamuni Creek Demerara River – 2 acres 27,385 kg 902 g

Cocaine 15 Residence, CJIA (3), GPOC 10 kg 911.5 g

7. 0

7 JUL

Cannabis 32 Yarrow Kabra Backlands (2) – 3 acres 91 kg 762 g

Cocaine 9 GPOC, CJIA 5 kg 383.5 g

8. 0

8 AUG

Cannabis 45 Road Block and Patrols. GPOC, Residence 4 kg 905.5 g

Cocaine 14 GPOC, CJIA, Residence 9 kg 738.7 g

9. 0

9 SEP

Cannabis 37 Mabura, Ituni and Linden – 13.5 acres Residence 7,352 kg 776.5 g

Cocaine 14 Residence (2), CJIA,GPOC 13 kg 000.5 g

10. 1

0 OCT

Cannabis 23 3 fields (8 acres) 25,039 kg 916 g

Cocaine 4 GPOC,CJIA 7 kg 082.9 g

11. 1

1 NOV

Cannabis 53 Soesdyke and Linden Highway – 4 fields Residence 42,039 kg 601 g

Cocaine 6 25 kg 315.5 g

12. 1

3

SUB-

TOTAL

Cannabis 517 194,132 kg 465.75 g

Cocaine 140 139 kg 550.85 g

Heroin --- CJIA 377 g

13. 1

4 TOTAL 657 194,272.393kg

9


The significantly large amount of cannabis seized and destroyed in Guyana in 2010 is an

indication of the zero tolerance policy and commitment of the Government to rid the country of

cannabis production. These activities seriously restrict the income of drug dealers in Guyana.

The number of cases successfully prosecuted 2005 – 2010 was 1011. See details below:

The trends seen during 2010 regarding the cocaine smuggling methodology of traffickers are the

recruitment of foreign nationals to be used as drug mules travelling through the Cheddi Jagan

International Airport (CJIA) via international passenger airlines. Eleven foreign nationals were

held at the CJIA for possession of drugs. The most common methods used for securing cocaine

are swallowing pellets and suitcases with false compartments.

10

Prosecutions 2005-2010

Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Total

No. of Successful Cases Prosecuted

120 122 227 139 159 244 1011


11

No synthetic drug was encountered during 2010.

At the Administrative level, Government has taken several measures to boost capacity within law

enforcement agencies. This includes the allocation of additional funding to facilitate the

acquisition of highly technological equipment and heightened surveillance by the Guyana

Revenue Authority which is now responsible for counter drug operations at our seaports and

wharves. Measures have also been taken at the Guyana Post Office Corporation to prevent

smuggling through the post. Other border/port enforcement initiatives include:

Strengthening law enforcement presence at the Multi-purpose complex at Lethem with

trained narcotic officers.

Establishment of a joint check point at Kurupukari.

Placing additional security cameras at CJIA.

Increasing the number of Law Enforcement officers at Eteringbang.

Strengthening law enforcement presence at Molsen Creek with additional trained

narcotic officers.

Strengthening law enforcement presence at the Ogle Aerodrome with additional trained

narcotic officers.

Establishment of police outpost at 70 km Buck Hall

Recent adjustments to the placement of sniffer dogs and other intelligence measures at the CJIA

have enhanced surveillance and improved counter narcotics operations at that location.

Meanwhile, the government continues to utilize polygraphing to purge law enforcement agencies

of undesirable elements.

Conscious of the significant role collaboration and cooperation plays in combating the drug

problem and related activities, the government of Guyana established an Inter-agency Task Force

on Narcotic Drugs and Illicit Weapons. The Task Force comprise representatives from law

enforcement agencies inclusive of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana

Revenue Authority, Customs Anti Narcotic Unit and Financial Intelligence Unit. Its

Memorandum of Understanding mandates member agency to among things:


12

a. Initiate further inquiries and investigations where information and intelligence

suggests.

b. Have structured sharing of relevant material developed.

c. Recommend and advise on appropriate law enforcement operations based on

information and intelligence.

d. Through its work, support law enforcement specifically, and to help realise the

mandate of the Government with respect to crime and security.

e. Identify and explore other avenues for cooperation and collaboration and

combining efforts for greater efficiency.

The Task Force conducts monthly statutory meetings and would also call special/emergency

meetings as the situation dictates. Some of the deliberations at these meetings are intended to

influence drug policy.

Other initiatives undertaken during 2010 that will impact counter narcotic efforts are:

Setting up and commissioning of a National Crime and Social Observatory.

Submission of Guyana’s National Report on United Nations Programme of

Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and

Light Weapons in All its Aspects.

Submission of Guyana’s response to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

2009 Annual Reports Questionnaire.

Organisation of a National Conference On Cyber Security (20-21 OCT 2010)


13

Organisation and Conduct of the National Conference On Narcotics Trafficking

(1-2 Dec 2010) with the involvement of UNODC, Interpol, the Caribbean

Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), US DEA and US Southern Command

along with several national stakeholders.

Drug Use Survey at New Opportunity Corps – 2010

Acquisition of a container scanner for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to

detect drugs and contraband goods.

The Anti Narcotic Task Force Coordinated, in collaboration with the GRA and

Food and Drug Administration Department, training in detecting and handling

psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals for Customs Officers in 2010, in

anticipation of their anti narcotic role at the seaports.

Additionally a number of legal instruments have been passed in the Parliament to provide law

enforcement agencies with greater interdiction clout. These include: the Anti-Money Laundering

and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, the Interception of Communications Act, the

Telecommunications Act, the Money Transfer Agencies Act, the (Criminal Procedure) Plea

Bargaining and Agreement Act, The Evidence (Amendment) Act, The Mutual Assistance in

Criminal Matters Act, amendment to the Fugitive Offenders Act and most recently the Firearms

(Licensing) Regulations 2010.

On the demand reduction side, the Ministry of Health in accordance with the National Drug

Strategy Master Plan saw the continuation of effective preventative and treatment-based

mechanisms to cope with growing domestic drug consumption. These mechanisms were

mainstreamed into education and health and programmes including radio programmes such as

“Merundoi”, “Tales from the Crack” and “Health and Family Life Education” in close

coordination with bodies such as the Steering Committee of the National Anti-Narcotic

Commission and the Task Force on Narcotics Drugs and Illicit Weapons.


14

Taking into account the nature of the problem, the Ministry of Health promoted the

establishment of drug abuse prevention and treatment programmes which are both community-

based and residential, and which provide for the rehabilitation, after care and social reintegration

of drug addicts as well as prevention programmes targeted at those groups at-risk of drug abuse.

Government is providing $5 million annually to the Salvation Army and approximately $3

million through the Ministry of Health to the Phoenix Recovery Centre for the purpose of

rehabilitation of addicts. These subventions are likely to increase in the coming years.


15

Outpatient rehabilitation treatment is done at Centres established at the following locations:

a. Georgetown Public Hospital

b. New Amsterdam Hospital

c. Mibicuri Cottage Hospital

d. Skeldon Hospital

e. Smythfield Drop in Centre.

A total of fifty nine clients were treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital outpatient centre over

the reporting period.

Come what may, indications are that Government will remain firm in its commitment to institute

more effective policies to enable agencies and departments under the purview of the security and

health sectors to achieve their mandates in accordance with the law.

The Home Affairs Ministry will continue to improve physical infrastructure of police facilities,

provide an enabling environment to increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the law


16

enforcement agencies, strengthen operational capability through the acquisition of equipment

and additional means of transport and communication, improve personnel quality and

competence through training, and strengthen community policing.

CONCLUSION

Trafficking in narcotics remains a major challenge to Guyana. Guyana’s overall counter efforts

are centered on its National Drug Strategy Master Plan, which is in sync with the OAS

Hemispheric Drug Strategy, UNASUR’s Plan of Action of the South American Council on the

World Drug Problem and UN Conventions which focuses both on the elaboration of serious and

effective counter-narcotics policies and equally importantly, on specifics of the implementation

of these policies. It also addresses the need for strengthening regional cooperation.

The Government of Guyana, through its law enforcement agencies, continues to invest in the

institutional strengthening and capacity building of its drug enforcement, prevention and

rehabilitation agencies. Acknowledging the challenges pose by our extensive borders, the

government of Guyana continues to explore assistance in satellite coverage etc, from more

developed countries to effectively monitor and control our borders.


17

In their reports ironically, some of these more developed countries have greater border

penetration problems even though they possess more sophisticated modern technologically

advance equipment. As a non consuming country, Guyana has expended more financial

resources per capita GDP than many states that possess seemingly “unlimited” resources,

financial and otherwise.

While many challenges still exist it is clear that progress is being achieved. Our conceptual and

organizational approach to the fight against drugs provides numerous opportunities to reduce the

threat posed by the world drug problem to Guyana and the region at large. Ultimately improved

public security is one of our compelling goals. It is a condition of life in which values of

freedom, safety, opportunity, inclusion, and empowerment can find expression.

Re-emphasis on donor community support for Guyana’s efforts in the fight against drug

trafficking is obligatory. The increased provision of technical and financial assistance by the

international community is therefore essentially needed to help Guyana in its fight against the

World Drug Problem.


18


19

NATIONAL DRUG STRATEGY MASTER PLAN PROGRAMMES

Ser. Programmes Completed Incomplete/

On-going

A. Supply Control:

1. Improve the Functioning of the Criminal Administration System

2. Improve Legislative Environment Against Drug Trafficking

3. Build Capacity of Anti Narcotic Units

4. Operationalization of Joint Intelligence Coordination Centre

5. Improve Policy & System of Intelligence Gathering

6. Increased Sitting of Interior Magistrates Courts

7. Computerisation of Criminal Investigation Department

8. Measures to Tighten the Control of Precursors

9. Drawing up of MOUs by Law Enforcement Agencies

10. Border & Airstrip Control

11. Strengthening Police Forensic Laboratory Capabilities

B. Demand Reduction:

1. Develop & Implement Safe Lifestyle Programmes for All Guyanese

2. Strengthening Current Health & Family Life Education

3. Target Group Surveys

4. Develop a Drug Abuse Data Base for Improving Policy

5. Training of GOG/NGO Personnel in Substance/Drug Abuse Education

6. Strengthen Civil Society Involvement in Anti Substance Abuse Advocacy

7. Education Strategy for Tobacco & Alcohol

8. Media Strategy to Promote Drug Awareness

9. Develop Employee Assistance Programmes

10. Train Health Workers to Identify Drug Users

11. Develop National Policy on Demand Reduction

C. Treatment:

1. Improve Treatment & Rehabilitation

2. Establishing New Rehab Centres in Regions 4 & 6

3. Strengthen Rehab Centres run by the Salvation Army

4. Foster Prison Rehab & Counselling

5. Strengthen Probation Services

6. Develop a National Reporting Format

7. Strengthen the Legal System with Amendments to the Evidence Act (Foreign

Experts)

8. Support to Law Enforcement Agencies from the Proceeds of Forfeitures

9. Community Service for First Time Offenders

D. Managerial Framework:

1. Strengthening the Legal System

2. Filling Vacancies in the Magistracy & Judiciary

3. Strengthening International Cooperation

4. Revision of the Evidence Act (Electronic Surveillance)

5. Establish & Strengthen the National Anti-Narcotic Coordination Secretariat

Attachment 1


20

Documents

NATIONAL DRUG REPORT 2010 - Ministry of Public …mops.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/national-drug-report-2010.pdfNATIONAL DRUG REPORT 2010 1 NATIONAL ... which can scarcely support