ECNETNews, New York, NY, Mon. Oct. 14, 2024: Amid ongoing marijuana legalization across various states in the U.S., the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is intensifying its efforts against illegal cannabis cultivation. The GPF recently announced the seizure and destruction of approximately USD $12.7 million worth of marijuana discovered at an unauthorized farm in the Upper Berbice River region of Guyana.
During a recent eradication operation in a location known as “Old Vigilante,” GPF’s Narcotics Branch uncovered four acres planted with marijuana, totaling around 12,000 plants, some reaching heights between three to seven feet. Close to the cultivation site, authorities encountered a makeshift camp, measuring 40×20 feet, which was being utilized as a kitchen and drying area. In this camp, approximately 950 pounds of dried cannabis were also found.
Following detailed documentation of the scene, law enforcement officers incinerated the entire illegal farm operation. No individuals were apprehended in connection with this incident.
In Guyana, the cultivation, sale, and use of cannabis remain illegal; however, recent amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act have eased penalties for minor possession offenses. Individuals discovered with 30 grams or less now face no prison time, although cannabis use continues to be strictly regulated.
The amendments made in 2021 have also broadened regulatory measures to encompass designer drugs such as ecstasy and methamphetamine. These revisions aim to combat the rising occurrence of new psychoactive substances, ensuring that possession carries legal repercussions. While Guyana maintains a stringent stance on cannabis, the nation is actively adapting its drug control policies to meet changing societal attitudes.
