Last Updated on Monday, 22 December 2025, 22:59 by Writer
At least GY$18 million worth of mercury, believed to have been smuggled from neighbouring Suriname, was intercepted on Sunday at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) said on Monday.
Guyana is working hard to virtually eliminate the use of mercury, which is highly toxic, from the processing of gold because it gets into the food chain through air, water, marine species such as fish, and the soil.
The law enforcement unit said the mercury was found in a car shortly after it was intercepted. “A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several parcels of a highly toxic and strictly controlled substance, which was later confirmed to be mercury,” CANU said in a statement.
The suspect was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, along with the substance.
The unit said a preliminary evaluation revealed that the seized substance has an estimated street value of GY$18 million.
The substance was then handed over to the Ministry of Natural Resources for specialised processing and disposal,” CANU said.
The suspect remained in police custody, assisting with the investigations.
