CANU issues national early warning alert for ecstasy after seizure

Last Updated on Monday, 12 January 2026, 18:41 by Writer

In the wake of the conviction of one of three persons for the possession of ecstasy tablets, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Monday said a wide-ranging national early warning alert has been issued to the public, law enforcement agencies and the health sector.

The unit said alerts have been issued to emergency departments so that they can monitor for ecstasy-related cases with symptoms such as overheating and dehydration, rapid heart rate, confusion, agitation, or collapse and risk of seizures.

“Health officials and first responders are advised that MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) tablets vary widely in strength and may be adulterated with other dangerous substances,” CANU said in a statement.

CANU urged increased vigilance especially among youth and young adults because of heightened danger when MDMA is mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

CANU said MDMA-related emergencies often occur in nightlife or party settings.

Those convicted on January 6 for the possession of 164 grammes of ecstasy for the purpose of trafficking on January 3 are Devon Grant and Lily Wills. Grant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and fined GY$30,0000. Wills pleaded not guilty and was granted GY$100,000 bail. She returns to court on February 2.

CANU said a third person was not charged because of insufficient evidence.

The anti-drug agency said the three persons were arrested when agents intercepted a vehicle at Movietowne, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown and found a total of 164 grammes of ecstasy in Ziploc bags.

“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 said.

Saying that MDMA is now in Guyana, suggesting “active distribution”, CANU also strongly advised the public not to consume unlabeled pills, regardless of colour, shape, or packaging. “The tablets seized in this incident were pink and green and packaged in multiple small Ziplock bags.”

As part of the alert, CANU said law enforcement agencies have increased monitoring of entertainment districts, enhanced surveillance of micro-distribution networks and strengthened intelligence sharing with venue security team.

CANU encouraged the public and private sectors, especially parents, nightlife operators, and community leaders, to assist by reporting suspicious activities or unfamiliar pills circulating among youths.