Georgetown: Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh announced that $19.5 billion under the public safety and security sector, the least of which has been allotted to the Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
This year, Dr Singh announced that the Guyana Fire Service will receive close to $1.1 billion, the Guyana Police Force, $7.447 billion, the Guyana Prison Service, $1.462 billion and CANU $92 million.
For the past few years, CANU has reportedly received the same amount or less, but the drug enforcement unit has managed to seize more drugs that the other units that make up the Home Affairs Ministry’s taskforce.
Despite receiving the least sum compared to the other agencies, CANU has managed to stay upbeat, diligently executing its mandate.
Nevertheless, the agency depends significantly on resources from members of the taskforce in penetrating the drug corridors.
While the amount might be considered insufficient, CANU has been performing creditably over the years. It has managed to put a dent in narcotics trafficking, particularly at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, which is considered a major transshipment point.
The $92 million allotted to CANU will be used strategically to dismantle drug trafficking, but the question is whether or not the amount allotted is adequate.
The 2012 National Drug Report, compiled by the taskforce on Narcotics, Drugs and Illicit Weapons, stated that CANU had intercepted 103.66 kilograms of cocaine valued some $93 million and 111.564kg of cannabis (ganja) valued in excess of $20 million.
36 charged
During this period, 33 cases were made out and 36 persons were charged. Further, the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) enforcement unit seized 561.78kg of cocaine, valued $504.9 million. Two persons have been charged in connection with this bust.
In total, 151 people were charged for cocaine trafficking and/or consumption, in a total of 139 cases.
With the near completion of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) 2014-2018, the taskforce, moreso CANU, will be more equipped to combat drugs at the local, regional and international levels.
In a recent comment, CANU head James Singh argued that while there has been no new National Drug Strategy Master Plan in “black and white”, the agency has been following all international guidelines.
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee when contacted, said the final draft of the new National Drug Strategy Master Plan will be ready by this month-end.
He disclosed that consultations were held with various stakeholders, including law enforcement units and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Once the master plan is finished, it will be sent to the Defence Board and Cabinet for approval. He said the document will empower the necessary agencies to tackle the drug trade head on, as it stipulates heavier penalties for those who are found guilty of trafficking narcotics.
Since the previous drug master plan expired in 2009, there has been talk about crafting a new plan.
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