Corruption within law enforcement agencies in Guyana is a hindrance to the fight against drug trafficking according to the US State Department.
US Department of State in its annual report on International Narcotics Control Strategy said while the government does not encourage or facilitate the illicit production or distribution of narcotics nor the laundering of proceeds from illegal drug transactions, corruption poses a significant obstacle to its effort to fight drug trafficking.
According to the report, corruption within law enforcement, bribery, and nepotism in the public sector and political entities further complicate the fight against drug trafficking.
Authorities, the report said often drop charges or never file them and do not conduct serious investigations or traffickers are able to evade prosecution.
Further, the economic appeal of the drug trade in Guyana with its high poverty rate and low-paying public sector jobs, leads persons to become involved in illicit activities and hinders efforts to curb trafficking.
According to the State Department, in two separate incidents in July of 2024, four GDF officers were separately charged with trafficking a total of 213 kilograms of cannabis.
Additionally, the report said while marijuana is the most used and produced drug locally, Guyana remains a major transshipment point for cocaine trafficking.
In 2024 the United States and Guyana collaborated to seize 4.4 tons of cocaine worth approximately $195 million, the largest drug seizure in the country.
The report said Guyana’s deeply entrenched illicit trade contributes significantly to increased crime and corruption. The government can fight drug trafficking by enhancing law enforcement and customs capability through port security improvements, intelligence operations with regional and international partners, implementing stronger anti-corruption measures, and strengthening its legislation relating to drug trafficking sentencing to make it less attractive.