CANU Responds to Public Claims, Defends Operational Conduct

January 30 2026

The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) has issued a formal response to recent public claims arising from encounters with its officers, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

While recognising the public’s right to raise concerns through appropriate legal channels, the Unit says it is necessary to clarify the facts amid what it describes as misleading and malicious allegations that risk undermining its credibility.

CANU maintains that its operations are conducted within the framework of established laws and protocols, as it continues efforts to combat drug trafficking, protect vulnerable communities, and safeguard national security.

See full statement here:

“CANU Clarifies Operational Procedures Following Recent Public Claims

The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) has
noted public statements made by individuals following recent encounters with the Unit.

CANU respects the right of all persons to raise concerns through lawful and appropriate channels.

At the same time, the Unit considers it necessary to place certain facts on the record in the interest of accuracy, transparency, and the maintenance of public confidence.

The Unit observes that recent statements contain allegations that the Unit regards as
misleading and malicious, intended to undermine the Unit’s credibility and deter officers from performing their lawful duties.

CANU’s mandate extends beyond disrupting narcotics trafficking across Guyana’s
borders.

The Unit is also responsible for preventing illicit drugs from entering the country, dismantling domestic distribution networks, and reducing the availability of narcotics within communities, particularly in schools and other spaces frequented by children and young people.

In carrying out these functions, CANU contributes directly to community
safety and national security by limiting the presence of illicit drugs that fuel violence,
exploitation, and organised crime, and by helping to protect vulnerable populations from the harms associated with drug distribution and abuse.

The Unit notes that certain allegations of mistreatment have been raised more than
seventy-two (72) hours after the referenced encounters.

These allegations originate from
individuals residing in areas where intelligence has consistently identified the use and trafficking of illicit narcotics.

During operations, individuals engaged by officers are photographed and are required to complete and sign formal declarations indicating whether they were subjected to any form of mistreatment.

These procedures form part of the Unit’s standard operational and accountability framework.

It is further noted that the information informing the operations is obtained from the same communities through established intelligence-gathering channels and constitutes part of ongoing efforts to address drug-related activities and enhance community safety.

CANU further confirms that all operations are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and established operational protocols that promote transparency, accountability, and the protection of the rights of all parties.

The Unit remains committed to professionalism, respect for human rights, due process, and the rule of law.

Where concerns are raised through appropriate legal or institutional
mechanisms, CANU cooperates fully with any lawful review process.

At the same time, the Unit will continue to lawfully and resolutely discharge its
responsibilities in the interest of public safety and national security.

CANU remains steadfast in its mission to protect communities across Guyana from the harms associated with illicit drugs and to serve the people of Guyana with integrity, restraint, and accountability.”