Guyana drug trafficking and security response

Guyana has faced persistent challenges with drug trafficking due to its geographical vulnerabilities, including an extensive coastline, river systems, and weak land borders. Criminal networks have exploited airports, cargo containers, and postal services to move cocaine from South America toward North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. As law enforcement increased pressure, traffickers shifted toward maritime routes using go-fast boats and commercial shipping vessels.

In response, the Guyanese government has moved to strengthen its forensic and investigative capacities. Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond announced plans to expand the local forensic laboratory to include ballistics and toxicology analysis to reduce reliance on overseas testing. Additionally, approximately 500 police officers have received training in evidence processing, and legal training is being provided to prosecutors. The government is pursuing an inter-agency approach and increased cooperation with international partners, such as Interpol and the United States Marshal Service, to prevent the country from serving as a transshipment point for international criminal organizations.