CJIA bribery scandal deepens

Oct 14, 2025 News

– two cops yanked from Narcotics Unit as probe widens

(Kaieteur News) – Two officers of the Guyana Police Force’s Narcotics Branch, an Inspector and a junior rank stationed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), have been transferred amid ongoing investigations into allegations of bribery and extortion.

Cheddi Jagan International Airport

According to a police statement issued on Monday, the officers are accused of receiving money from a female passenger on September 27, 2025, to allow her to travel with frozen food items. The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) launched an investigation and subsequently submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. Police confirmed that the file has since received advice and that further investigations are underway. Both ranks have been transferred to the Tactical Services Unit pending the outcome of the probe.

The allegations come amid a growing number of corruption-related incidents reported at the airport. On October 9, 2025, CJIA announced a full-scale investigation into reports of bribery and extortion related to overweight baggage fees for Caribbean Airlines passengers. The airport management, in a statement, said it is collaborating with Caribbean Airlines and law enforcement authorities to investigate claims that airport personnel solicited payments outside of official channels.

CJIA reminded travellers that all official fees, including overweight baggage charges, must be paid directly to the airline and accompanied by an official receipt. “No payment should ever be made to any individual officer or staff member,” the release stressed. Passengers are urged to report any suspected acts of bribery or corruption to the nearest police station, CJIA Security, or via email at cjiac@cjairport-gy.com or telephone +592 699-9074.

Meanwhile, the airport’s Public Relations Officer, Shunza Samuels, reaffirmed CJIA’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, highlighting the professionalism of its Security Unit. Between January and September 2025, the Unit successfully recovered and returned dozens of lost items to passengers, including 80 laptops, 32 mobile phones, 106 pieces of luggage, 15 travel documents, 30 electronic devices, and cash. “As we reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on corruption, we remain focused on transparency, accountability, and service excellence in every aspect of our work,” Samuels stated.

The investigation at CJIA follows earlier reports by the Guyana Police Force that several of its officers stationed there were under investigation for alleged extortion. According to police, CCTV footage and other evidence corroborated allegations that officers demanded money from a passenger to release her lawful belongings. “The officers involved have been placed under close arrest while the OPR conducts a full investigation,” the statement said.

In response, the Government of Guyana has ordered that all law enforcement officers operating at ports of entry, including airports and border points, must now wear body cameras to strengthen accountability and transparency. “Any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face the full force of the law,” the police stated, reminding the public that no payment is required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any other port.

As part of follow-up actions, Commissioner of Police and Chief Immigration Officer Clifton Hicken, along with Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford, visited CJIA to meet with immigration ranks in light of the ongoing allegations.

The police further expressed concern over the increasing number of cases where individuals attempt to bribe officers. “Offering a bribe is a criminal offence. Both the giver and receiver are guilty under the law,” the GPF warned, noting that bribery erodes justice and public trust. The Force reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and urged citizens to report any such incidents to the Commissioner’s Secretariat hotlines.

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bribery, Cheddi Jagan International Airport, CJIA, Narcotics Unit, scandal

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