A significant narcotics case reached its conclusion at the Wales Magistrate’s Court in West Bank Demerara on Friday, January 16, 2026, resulting in severe penalties for a convicted drug trafficker. Dyal Simon, a 52-year-old individual, received a substantial four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Magistrate Rhondel Weever presided over the case brought by Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), imposing not only the prison term but also a formidable financial penalty of GY$33,951,000 (approximately US$162,000) against Simon. The conviction stems from a targeted interception operation conducted by CANU officials on January 14th, during which authorities discovered 20 brick-like substances containing more than 22 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a vehicle at La Grange.
In a contrasting development, Simon’s alleged accomplice, 41-year-old Adonayi Hoyte, entered a plea of not guilty to the trafficking charges. Magistrate Weever granted Hoyte pretrial release after posting bail set at GY$200,000 (approximately US$960), pending further judicial proceedings.
The case represents one of the more substantial narcotics seizures recently documented in the Demerara region, underscoring ongoing efforts by Guyanese authorities to combat drug trafficking operations. CANU’s successful interception and subsequent prosecution demonstrate the agency’s continued vigilance against narcotics distribution networks operating within Guyana’s transportation infrastructure.