Firearms, Ammo and Mercury Seized in CANU Operations
Authorities are investigating two major seizures carried out by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Sunday, December 21, 2025, which resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms, ammunition, and a quantity of mercury during separate operations in Georgetown and Berbice.
Firearms and Ammunition Seized at Sheriff Street
At about 21:00 hrs on Sunday, CANU ranks, acting on received intelligence, conducted an operation along Sheriff Street, Georgetown. During the exercise, officers observed a motor vehicle parked along the western side of the roadway and approached the driver, a 37-year-old businessman of Bladen Hall, East Coast Demerara.
A search of the man revealed one Glock 17 pistol on his person, containing seven live 9mm rounds of ammunition. Further searches of the vehicle led to the discovery of an AK-47 rifle without ammunition, nineteen 7.62×39mm live rounds, and a Taurus pistol without ammunition.
Investigations revealed that the suspect was the holder of a valid firearm licence for the Glock 17 pistol; however, he was unable to produce licences for the AK-47 rifle and the Taurus pistol. He was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, along with the firearms and ammunition, which were subsequently handed over to the Guyana Police Force for processing and lodging.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Quantity of Mercury Seized at Crabwood Creek
In a separate operation earlier that day, CANU officers intercepted a motor vehicle in the vicinity of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. A search of the vehicle uncovered several parcels containing a highly toxic and strictly controlled substance, which was later confirmed to be mercury.
The suspect was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the seized substance. Preliminary evaluations estimate the street value of the mercury at approximately GYD $18 million.
The mercury was handed over to the Ministry of Natural Resources for specialized processing and disposal, while the suspect remains in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations.
Authorities have indicated that investigations into both matters are continuing.
