Over $409M in Cannabis Destroyed in Upper Berbice Operations

September 29 2025

— Illegal firearms and ammunition also seized

Ranks from the Guyana Police Force’s Narcotics Branch, in collaboration with Regional Division 6, carried out two major eradication exercises in the Upper Berbice River on Sunday, resulting in the destruction of more than $409 million worth of cannabis, along with the discovery of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The first operation took place at Zion, Upper Berbice River, where officers uncovered a two-acre plot of land being prepared for cultivation. A makeshift camp, measuring 30×20 feet and outfitted with living and kitchen areas, was found nearby along with a drying area. Inside, police discovered approximately 350 lbs of dried cannabis, valued at $142.8 million, which was destroyed by fire along with the camp.

Later that morning, between 05:00 and 10:20 hrs, another operation was conducted at Kalkuni, Upper Berbice River. There, police discovered another two-acre plot containing about 3,000 cannabis plants ranging between two and seven feet in height. A nearby 30×20 ft camp housed a drying area with 650 lbs of dried cannabis, valued at $265.3 million.

During further searches, ranks recovered two unlicensed 12-gauge shotguns with no visible serial numbers and 19 matching cartridges. The firearms and ammunition were seized and taken to the Ballistics Section for analysis.

The camp, along with the cannabis plants and dried material, was destroyed by fire. Police confirmed that the exercise concluded without incident.

Total value of narcotics destroyed during both operations: $409,249,200.