Major Cocaine Seizure in Guyana Jungle Near Venezuela Border
Authorities in Guyana have seized over 8,000 pounds of cocaine hidden in a jungle near the country’s border with Venezuela. This operation marks one of the largest drug seizures in Guyana’s recent history, with Security Minister Robeson Benn estimating the cocaine’s value at over $200 million.
Details of the seizure
- The cocaine was found buried in earthen pits in the northwest region of Guyana, near a clandestine airstrip suspected to be used for shipping the drugs to Europe.
- Traffickers had dug holes to hide the cocaine, covering them with wooden planks to avoid detection.
- The operation involved Guyana’s police, military, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
- One suspect was arrested, while two others escaped and remain at large.
Increased drug trafficking activity in the area
The drug bust follows recent discoveries of improvised submersible vessels, known as “narco subs,” hidden in the same jungle area. These vessels, used by drug traffickers, are capable of transporting large amounts of cocaine while evading detection due to their ability to partially submerge.
- A homemade “narco sub” intercepted by Interpol in Guyana was reported to be capable of carrying up to 3 tons of cocaine at a time. Interpol warned that these semi-submersible vessels could navigate South American rivers before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to reach Western Europe.
- Recent international operations have led to the seizure of several “narco subs” and large quantities of illegal drugs and precursor chemicals in various countries. In one operation, a semi-submersible was seized along with 615 tons of illegal drugs, 505 tons of precursor chemicals, and 65 stolen cars across 31 nations.
Background on narco submersibles
Semi-submersible vessels are frequently used by drug traffickers because they can evade detection by staying mostly submerged, with only a small part visible above water. They are popular among traffickers due to their ability to avoid radar and visual detection by authorities. The Colombian Navy, for example, intercepted two such vessels earlier this year, seizing almost 5 tons of cocaine that were headed for Central America.
Response from Guyanese authorities
Guyana’s Security Minister, Robeson Benn, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation from the DEA and highlighted the challenges the country faces as a transit point for cocaine trafficking, despite not producing or transiting the drug itself.
The authorities plan to increase monitoring in the northwest region to counteract the growing drug trafficking activities, especially considering the recent increase in the use of “narco subs” and other sophisticated methods by drug traffickers.