Latest update September 20th, 2026 10:40 AM
Top Cop vows ‘zero tolerance’ following death threats against CANU Head
Head of CANU, James Singh
(Kaieteur News) – Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken has declared “zero tolerance” against threats directed at citizens and members of the national security architecture, following a viral video depicting an armed, masked man issuing death threats against James Singh, Director of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
Speaking during a police “round-up” programme Sunday, Commissioner Hicken characterised the threats as a “serious national security concern,” linking the intimidation tactics to the ongoing battle against regional narcotic trafficking and the proliferation of illegal arms.
The commissioner’s warning comes on the heels of a video reported by journalist Travis Chase, which shows an individual in a hood brandishing a firearm and displaying a photograph of Mr. Singh. In the video, the individual reportedly warns that “the syndicate is coming for you” and explicitly states, “we are going to kill you.” “Threats against Mr. James Singh is a threat against the rule of law itself,” Hicken stated.
“Mr. Singh, in his capacity as head of CANU, plays a critical role in leading national and regional efforts against narcotics trafficking… Any attempt to intimidate his leadership is an attack on the state’s ability to enforce the law.” The commissioner confirmed that intelligence and investigative units have moved swiftly to track the source of the video. He warned that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is monitoring all digital platforms and that anyone involved in issuing threats, online or otherwise, will be prosecuted.
Hicken attributed the reaction from criminal elements to the increased pressure being applied by law enforcement. He noted that narcotics trafficking and illegal firearms are “interconnected,” with criminal networks utilising the same land, maritime, and airspace routes to move illicit goods.
Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken
“It is not uncommon in such circumstances for those engaged in these activities to react when operations are being targeted,” Hicken said.
“However, such reaction will not deter us. We will continue to work to make Guyana proud.” The Ministry of Home Affairs echoed this sentiment in a separate statement, noting that the threats coincide with a period of “intensified anti-narcotics enforcement.” Statistics reveal that during the first quarter of 2026, CANU successfully removed over 371 kilograms of narcotics from circulation and disrupted multiple trafficking networks.
The commissioner emphasised that the response to these threats is grounded in intelligence-led policing and a unified front involving the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), CANU, the fire service, the prison service, and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). “If we don’t do that, we are going to be labeled a transshipment point or a narcotic state,” Hicken warned. “We are working around the clock to ensure we put Guyana first.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of those targeted. The government’s position remains firm: “No individual or group will be allowed to undermine the rule of law or threaten those tasked with upholding it.”
Investigations into the origin and authenticity of the threat video remain active. Commissioner Hicken concluded with a direct warning to the public: “Avoid doing this, or else we’re going to deal with you next.”
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