Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has activated a nationwide emergency alert system following the successful prosecution of a significant ecstasy trafficking case. The alert targets public awareness, law enforcement agencies, and healthcare providers in response to the confirmed presence of high-risk MDMA tablets in circulation.
The agency confirmed the conviction of Devon Grant, who received a 12-month prison sentence and a GY$300,000 fine after pleading guilty to trafficking 164 grams of ecstasy. Co-defendant Lily Wills maintained her innocence and was released on GY$100,000 bail pending her February 2 court appearance. A third suspect was released due to insufficient evidence.
According to CANU’s operational report, the arrests resulted from intelligence-driven surveillance that led to the interception of a vehicle at Movietowne, Turkeyen in Greater Georgetown. Officers discovered multiple ziplock bags containing brightly colored pills that were subsequently confirmed by the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory to contain MDMA.
Health authorities have been instructed to monitor for ecstasy-related medical emergencies, particularly symptoms including severe dehydration, hyperthermia, tachycardia, confusion, agitation, and collapse. CANU emphasized that seized tablets showed significant variation in potency and likely contained dangerous adulterants.
The agency specifically warned young adults about the elevated risks of combining MDMA with alcohol or other substances, noting that most emergencies occur in nightlife environments. CANU has implemented enhanced monitoring of entertainment districts, improved surveillance of micro-distribution networks, and strengthened collaboration with venue security teams.
Public cooperation is actively sought, with CANU urging parents, nightlife operators, and community leaders to report any suspicious activities or unfamiliar pills circulating among youth populations.