Guyana faces drug trafficking challenges via border vulnerabilities

Guyana and the wider Caribbean region face persistent challenges from drug trafficking due to evolving criminal tactics and geographical vulnerabilities. Traffickers are increasingly exploiting weaknesses in border controls, ports, waterways, and security systems to move illegal substances.

In Guyana, narcotics such as cocaine from South America are being moved through various channels, including airports, cargo containers, and postal services. The country’s extensive coastline, river systems, remote airstrips, and weak land borders make it a significant transit point for drugs destined for North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa.

As law enforcement agencies increase efforts to disrupt these networks, traffickers are shifting toward maritime routes. The use of go-fast boats, commercial shipping vessels, offshore transfers, and isolated coastal areas has made detection more difficult. These security gaps have also raised concerns regarding potential corruption or collusion within border security agencies.