CANU issues national warning after seizure of ecstasy

Jan 13, 2026 News

The MDMA pills that were seized.

Kaieteur News – The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has issued a formal Early Warning System Alert after ranks seized multiple tablets confirmed to be 3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy.

The seizure occurred during a targeted operation at MovieTowne, Georgetown.

In a statement to the media CANU said that, “ The operation, executed based on actionable intelligence, resulted in the interception of a vehicle with three occupants and the discovery of several zip-locked packets containing brightly coloured pills. Field testing indicated the presence of amphetamine-type stimulants, which was later forensically confirmed by the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) to be MDMA. CANU has classified the situation as EWS NOTICE LEVEL 2 – Emerging Circulation Confirmed, indicating that MDMA is now present in Guyana in a context suggesting active distribution.”

First responders and health officials are advised that the MDMA tablets have varying strengths and may be laced with other dangerous substances. Use of the drug can lead to overheating, dehydration, rapid heart rate, confusion, collapse, agitation, risk of seizures, as well as heightened danger when mixed with alcohol or other drugs, CANU said. Additionally, MDMA-related emergencies often occur in nightlife or party settings, and CANU is urging increased vigilance, especially among youth and young adults.

CANU is warning the public that “MDMA remains illegal in Guyana under Schedule I of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap. 10:10 Possession, trafficking, or distribution can result in severe criminal penalties. Members of the public are strongly advised not to consume unlabeled pills, regardless of colour, shape, or packaging.”

The tablets discovered during the operation were pink and green packaged in several small ziplock bags.

In light of this law enforcement has now implemented a number of measures including the increased monitoring of entertainment districts, enhanced surveillance of micro-distribution networks, strengthened intelligence sharing with venue security teams.

For the health sector CANU is advising that alerts issued to emergency departments, there be monitoring for MDMA-related cases, as well as rapid reporting protocols enforced via GUYDIN/EWS channels. Finally, the organisation is advising and encouraging both the public and private sectors, particularly parents, operators of nightlife and community leaders to be vigilant and report suspicious activity or unfamiliar pills circulating amongst youth.

Reports can be made confidentially via Tel: 592-227-3503 / 592-226-0431 Email: guyana_ews@canu.gov.g

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CANU, Ecstasy, EWS NOTICE LEVEL, pills, warning

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