CANU seizes ganja-infused beverages at CJIA

Mar 20, 2026 News

…says products are illegal; warns of health dangers

Kaieteur News – The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), through the Guyana Early Warning System (EWS), on Thursday said it seized 222 cans of suspected THC-infused beverages at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The seized cans of suspected weed-infused beverages

THC – tetrahydrocannabinol – is the main psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis plants.

The interception was made on Wednesday. CANU in a statement said that the products were concealed inside storage tote bins among clothing, paper bags and other items.

“These beverages are believed to be commercially manufactured cannabis-infused drinks originating from the United States and are designed to resemble ordinary soft drinks, making them especially attractive to youth and difficult to detect. The alert notes that this reflects an evolving trafficking method involving low-odour, discreet, consumer-style cannabis products,” CANU said.

CANU said while the products may be legal in some foreign countries, cannabis and cannabis-derived products including THC-infused beverages, remain illegal in Guyana under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap. 10:10. “Any importation, possession, or distribution of these products may constitute a criminal offence,” the agency said.

Further, CANU noted that the products may pose serious health and safety risks which include impaired judgment and intoxication, anxiety, panic attacks, or hallucinations, risk of overdose, especially through beverages, and increased danger to youth and first-time users.

“A major concern is that the packaging resembles regular drinks, increasing the risk of accidental or intentional use by children and teens,” CANU said while urging the public to avoid purchasing or consuming suspicious imported drinks or edible products, pay close attention to unfamiliar canned beverages with unusual branding, monitor products accessible to children and teenagers and report suspicious products or information to CANU immediately.

CANU said the seizure confirms that cannabis-infused consumables are being trafficked into Guyana through cargo systems, posing a growing threat to public health and safety.

Persons with information on cannabis-infused consumables being trafficked are asked to call telephone numbers 592-227-3503 / 592-226-0431 or email email: guyana_ews@canu.gov.gy. All reports will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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