Lethem family alleges set-up following CANU raid

January 29 2025

The Jarvis family has alleged that their property in Tabatinga, Lethem, was unlawfully broken and searched by men claiming to be officers of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU).

Okemmy Jarvis, son of businessman and contractor Marlon Jarvis, told reporters that his father, who was in Brazil on business, noticed unusual activity at one of the family’s properties via CCTV and called him on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Upon arriving at the property, Okemmy said the men identified themselves as CANU officers and claimed they were acting on information about firearms and other illegal items.

According to Jarvis, he initially agreed to cooperate but informed the officers they would need to wait for his father, as the property was locked.

He claims that sometime after he left, the men broke into the premises without any family members present, removing cash, mobile phones, gold and millions in family jewellery, televisions, and liquor intended for an upcoming event.

He also alleged that family confidential documents were taken, wardrobes broken, and the property left in disarray.

Jarvis further alleges that he was threatened by the officers and that no illegal items were declared to have been found at the time, but believes since no family member was present at the time, the narcotics may have been planted.

The property houses a shop and nightclub operated by the Jarvis family.

Marlon Jarvis reportedly taken into custody upon returning hours later to the property, and the family has since engaged legal counsel.

CANU issued a statement regarding the same operation, noting that the intelligence-led search followed the discovery of suspected narcotics in a nearby bush.

A man identified as Alim Kartel was detained, and information obtained during his interview prompted officers to seek a search warrant for the Jarvis property from the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

With assistance from the Guyana Fire Service, officers accessed a two-storey building and a concrete shop.

During the search, CANU reported seizing suspected cannabis, empty zip-lock bags, digital scales, uncustomed liquor, pink-colored pills suspected to be ecstasy (MDMA), local and foreign currencies, yellow metal, and four motorcycles later confirmed as stolen from Brazil.

“No occupants were present at the premises during the search. The entire operation was documented using officers’ body-worn cameras.” CANU stated.

At the Lethem Police Station, Marlon Jarvis was cautioned, arrested, and the seized items lodged as exhibits.

Investigations are ongoing