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[The Department of the Treasury – Washington] – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned four Guyanese nationals and two Colombian nationals responsible for trafficking tons of cocaine from South America to the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Today’s sanctions target drug traffickers utilizing boats and narco-subs to traffic ton-quantities of cocaine, along with an alleged corrupt Guyanese law enforcement official.  The sanctions also target individuals that are operating covert airstrips to traffic drugs via aircraft.  For decades, reported corrupt actors have used Guyana as a transshipment point for the movement of drugs from South America to the United States, with Mexican drug cartels also maintaining a presence in the region.  International cocaine trafficking remains a serious threat to the United States, as the substantial profits generated from these sales continue to fund and strengthen cartel operations.

“Under President Trump, this administration has achieved the most secure border in modern history. The Treasury Department continues to bring our unique tools and authorities to the fight against cartels and their affiliates.  Today’s action is a strong signal that this administration will continue to take the fight to the cartels, regardless of where they are located,” said Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender.  “Treasury will continue to expose the criminal networks that allow for drugs to be trafficked into the United States, and work closely with our law enforcement colleagues and the Government of Guyana to disrupt the cartels wherever they operate.”

Today’s action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059, which targets the proliferation of illicit drugs and their means of production. OFAC carried out this investigation in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

DRUG TRAFFICKING IN GUYANA

Guyana’s proximity to the Caribbean, as well as alleged corruption along its ports and borders, allows aircraft and maritime vessels, also known as narco-submarines, to transit through its waters undetected. Drug traffickers exploit the rivers and jungles of South America by transporting large quantities of cocaine from Colombia and Venezuela through Guyana and Suriname.  Guyana is a close partner of the United States in combating narcotics trafficking; nevertheless, according to a 2025 State Department International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, corruption in Guyana poses a significant obstacle to its efforts to combat drug trafficking.

In the last few years, Guyana has been the focus of major law U.S. enforcement operations in partnership with Guyanese authorities, resulting in multi-ton seizures of cocaine.  In March 2025, a cargo vessel originating in Guyana was discovered by police in the waters of Trinidad and Tobago with approximately 182 kilograms of cocaine.

Cocaine packages stamped with the Toyota logo, a known trademark of the Sinaloa Cartel, were found on-board the cargo vessel.  Mexican drug cartels are known for having a presence in Guyana.  On February 20, 2025, the State Department identified the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).  Prior to its designation as an FTO, OFAC sanctioned the Sinaloa Cartel on April 15, 2009 pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act) for playing a significant role in international narcotics trafficking.  On December 15, 2021, OFAC also designated the Sinaloa Cartel pursuant to E.O. 14059.

On March 21, 2024, U.S. and Guyanese law enforcement seized 2,370 kilograms of cocaine in a self-propelled semi-submersible approximately 150 miles off the coast of Guyana.

In August 2024, Guyanese authorities, with support from DEA and DSS, discovered 4.4 tons of cocaine in a clandestine airfield in the northwest region of Guyana known as Barima-Waini, or Region One, which shares a border with Venezuela. The cocaine was buried in underground bunkers about six feet deep.

CRIMINAL OPERATORS IN GUYANA

Guyanese nationals Paul Daby Jr. (Daby Jr.) and Randolph Duncan (Duncan) operate the largest drug trafficking organizations in Guyana and rely on maritime vessels and aircraft to conceal and traffic cocaine, while also allegedly bribing Guyanese officials to facilitate their drug trafficking operations.  Daby Jr. traffics ton-quantities of cocaine, coordinating the shipment of loads from Colombia and Venezuela via aircraft, and utilizing illegal airstrips in Guyana.  Daby Jr. also relies on a network of individuals to conceal and transport cocaine in shipping containers from the ports of Guyana and Suriname.  Daby Jr. is also involved in the transporting of illegal gold from Guyana via maritime vessels.  Duncan traffics cocaine from Guyana to Africa and the Caribbean, with Europe and the United States as the ultimate destinations.

Mark Cromwell (Cromwell), a former Guyana Police Force (GPF) officer, is a violent drug trafficker and associate of Daby Jr.  Cromwell is wanted by the GPF for his connection to the 2024 abduction of a former Guyanese police officer.

Guyanese national Himnauth Sawh (Sawh), a law enforcement officer of the GPF, has ensured safe passage to Colombian and Venezuelan traffickers through Region One.  In September 2024, following the discovery of 4.4 tons of cocaine in Region One by Guyanese officials, Sawh was removed as Divisional Commander of Region One and assigned to the GPF’s Transport Workshop.

Colombian nationals Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo (Sanchez) and Manuel Salazar Gutierrez (Salazar) are responsible for overseeing the clandestine airstrips used to transport ton-quantities of cocaine via aircraft from Colombia to Guyana.

OFAC designated Daby Jr., Duncan, Cromwell, Sawh, Sanchez, and Salazar pursuant to E.O. 14059 for having engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.  In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.  Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons.  OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis.  OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law.  The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.  For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC’s guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.

To view the chart on the persons designated today, click here.

For more information on the individuals and entities designated today, click here.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday night responded to the United States’ recent decision to impose sanctions on four Guyanese nationals for drug trafficking, affirming that his government has already requested additional information from U.S. authorities to support a thorough local investigation.

The President disclosed that he has spoken directly with the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana and requested all available intelligence to aid local law enforcement agencies. Among those sanctioned is Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh of the Guyana Police Force, who has since been placed on administrative leave in keeping with standard procedures.

“These developments are being taken seriously. I’ve already spoken with the Ambassador and requested all the relevant information so that we can take the appropriate action locally,” President Ali said in an invited comment on the sidelines of a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Thursday sanctioned ten individuals, including four Guyanese: Senior Superintendent Sawh, Paul Daby Jr., Mark Cromwell—also known as ‘Demon’ and ‘Diamond’—and Randolph Duncan. The move follows a similar round of sanctions a year ago that targeted prominent businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Thomas.

President Ali said the latest sanctions reaffirm the importance of Guyana’s security partnership with the United States, especially in light of concerns that the country is being used as a transhipment point for narcotics. He said the government is ramping up investment in border control, surveillance, and screening technology.

“We have a very strong bilateral partnership on security. We’re working with the U.S. on port and border security, and we’ve already started to see results,” he said.

“We’re also investing in scanners and other technologies that will help us strengthen our national security framework.”

Asked whether he felt blindsided by the sanctions, President Ali declined to use that term but acknowledged the complexities involved. He emphasised that Guyana and the U.S. have maintained ongoing security cooperation and intelligence sharing, including in matters concerning the individuals recently sanctioned.

“There has always been partnership and sharing of information. I’m sure there was engagement from the security front before the sanctions were issued,” the President noted.

He also indicated that further administrative and possibly legal actions would follow depending on the outcome of local investigations.

“The police officer will have to proceed accordingly. Once we receive the information from the U.S., we will ensure the necessary steps are taken,” he said.

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See below the full statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs:

The Ministry of Home Affairs welcomes the significant development in the actions taken today (Thursday, June 5, 2025) by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in sanctioning a number of named Guyanese and foreign nationals as a result of continuing investigations into the use of Guyana as a place for transhipment of drugs to the United States of America.

The OFAC imposed sanctions against Guyana Police Force Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, among LI others, for drug trafficking. In reference to this development, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has taken note and sent Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh on Administrative Leave with immediate effect to facilitate further investigations. Further action will certainly follow.

The Government, through the Attorney General’s Office, will request details from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) via the Department of Justice, a Component of the United States government, to facilitate further investigations. The details will guide the actions of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and, by LI extension, the Government of Guyana.

The Government of Guyana remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and dismantling criminal networks that facilitate these illegal activities. Through robust enforcement strategies and enhanced monitoring measures, authorities will continue to fully pursue and prosecute offenders. This underscores the government’s dedication to preserving the integrity of the nation’s security interests.

Further, the government of Guyana, with the support of the government of the United States, will continue to pool efforts to combat this threat. Guyana will continue to demonstrate its commitment to working with the US in the fight against drug trafficking. This was evident when the US and Guyana’s Joint Inter-Agency Task Force, including the Guyana Defence Force, collaborated to seize 4.4 metric tonnes of cocaine worth approximately USD 195,000,000 in September 2024- our largest ever drug seizure.

The government of Guyana will continue to work diligently with the US counterparts on this matter and other matter of mutual interests.

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In keeping with the Guyana Police Force’s Standard Operating Procedure, Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh has been sent on administrative leave following his sanctioning by the United States for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

The development comes after the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Thursday announced sanctions against ten individuals, including four Guyanese nationals. Sawh, who was most recently assigned to the Force’s Projects Office, is now under scrutiny for his alleged links to a massive drug trafficking operation.

The Police Force confirmed the move in a brief statement, noting it had “taken note” of the OFAC report. Sawh, who joined the Force on 3 June 2008, previously served as the Divisional Commander for Region One (Barima-Waini)—an area where a significant drug bust was made under his watch.

That bust, led by Special Forces, unearthed approximately 4.5 tonnes of cocaine concealed in four hand-dug pits and camouflaged with wood, tarpaulin, and vegetation. The stash, discovered deep in the jungle, was estimated to be worth €176 million (US$195 million), raising questions at the time about how such an operation could have been carried out undetected.

Sawh is among four Guyanese nationals now facing sanctions from OFAC. The others are:

• Paul Daby Jr., son of the late Paul Daby Snr., who died in Colombia in 2021. Daby Jr. was once a person of interest in a local murder case, though he was never charged.

• Mark Cromwell, also known as ‘Demon’ and ‘Diamond,’ a name long linked to criminal elements in Guyana.

• Randolph Duncan, for whom little public information is available, but who is included among the sanctioned individuals.

These latest sanctions follow a previous OFAC action against prominent Guyanese businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, his son Azruddin Mohamed, and their businesses. Around that time, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mae Thomas, was also blacklisted by the U.S.

Under OFAC’s sanctions, all property and interests belonging to the named individuals that fall under U.S. jurisdiction are to be blocked, and U.S. persons are prohibited from dealing with them. The U.S. government has framed these measures as part of its ongoing fight against transnational crime and narcotics trafficking in the Western Hemisphere.

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Another statutory meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) ended on Thursday with division, as APNU+AFC nominated commissioners raised concerns and objections on several electoral matters.

The discord follows a walkout by the opposition during last Tuesday’s meeting, which ended abruptly. The central issues raised this week revolved around voting rights for prisoners, the ability of polling agents to vote and voting eligibility of Commonwealth citizens residing in Guyana among others.

Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman were vocal in their calls for GECOM to implement systems that would allow prisoners to vote. They also raised renewed concerns about the long-standing issue of polling agents being unable to vote at polling stations where they are not registered but are assigned to work on polling day, as well as the legal status of Commonwealth citizens voting in Guyana.

PPP/C-nominated commissioner Sase Gunraj, during a virtual engagement with the press Thursday afternoon said two critical issues dominated Thursday’s discussions.

“The matter of polling agents voting where they’re not registered has been around since at least 2011,” Gunraj noted.

“It was resolved in the 2015 and 2020 elections, where no facilities were made for such agents to cast their ballots.”

Gunraj pointed out that while the issue seems straightforward, it consumed nearly two hours of the meeting.

He explained that the matter was already addressed through legislative amendments that now allow political parties to appoint both a primary and an alternate polling agent. This enables one agent to vote at their place of registration while the other maintains presence at the polling station.

Another issue discussed was the stamping of ballots. Gunraj explained that commissioners agreed on a process where, once a ballot is unfolded, if only one half is stamped before separation, the presiding officer will ensure the second half is also stamped prior to final separation.

On the matter of Commonwealth citizens voting, the discussion centred around the legal definitions of “domicility” versus “residency.”

The current law allows for Commonwealth citizens residing in Guyana for a year or more to vote.

 “This is not unique to Guyana; it is a provision mirrored in several other Commonwealth jurisdictions,” Gunraj said.

As for the proposal to enable prisoners to vote, Gunraj was clear that GECOM’s role is limited.

“GECOM’s hands are tied. We’re not taking away anyone’s right to vote, but in the absence of legislation covering voting rights for incarcerated persons, we cannot make up rules to facilitate that. GECOM doesn’t make laws,” he stressed.

Asked whether the matter remains open for discussion, Gunraj stated firmly:

“In my mind, this is a concluded matter.”

Walkouts won’t derail GECOM’s work – Nandlall warns opposition

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Two men accused of hijacking a taxi and assaulting its driver were on Wednesday remanded to prison after appearing before the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.

The accused have been identified as 22-year-old Shawn Prince, an auto bodywork technician of Lusignan, and 26-year-old Nick Sumair, a construction worker of Good Hope Phase 2—both from the East Coast of Demerara.

The men were arrested on Sunday night (June 1) and later charged with robbery under arms, contrary to Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The charge relates to the attack on 29-year-old Kumar Isree, a taxi driver from Bushlot Village, West Coast Berbice.

According to reports, Prince and Sumair were caught by police while sleeping in the very vehicle they had stolen. The car was discovered in the Lusignan backlands, partially covered with a tarpaulin and already stripped of several parts.

Investigations revealed that the men had hired the taxi driver on Sunday afternoon at Bath Settlement for a trip to Mahaica. However, during the journey, they reportedly brandished a firearm, threatened the driver, and instructed him to continue driving. Upon reaching a secluded area in Lusignan, the men allegedly tied up the driver, assaulted him, and dumped him out of the vehicle before fleeing with it.

Fortunately, the driver managed to untie himself and sought help from a passerby, who lent him a phone to contact his relatives and alert authorities.

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Rise Guyana has announced the final close of its first private investment fund, securing US$29 million. The fund is the first of its kind—an institutional real estate and infrastructure vehicle dedicated exclusively to Guyana.

Backed by international investors from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, South America and the Middle East, the fund aims to capitalise on Guyana’s status as the world’s fastest-growing economy. The announcement comes against the backdrop of a major arbitration battle between oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron over a US$1 trillion oil discovery in the Stabroek Block—highlighting Guyana’s rising importance on the global energy map.

“This fund reflects our confidence in Guyana’s transformation and our commitment to building long-term value with local roots and global vision,” said Kristine Thompson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Rise Guyana.

Guyana’s meteoric economic ascent has been powered by vast offshore oil reserves. The Stabroek Block alone is estimated to contain some 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil. According to industry analysts and Wood Mackenzie, the project is expected to generate US$182 billion in profits for Exxon and its partners, and over US$190 billion in revenues for the Guyanese government over the next 15 years. With production costs below US$30 per barrel, the field is regarded as one of the most valuable oil and gas assets in the world.

The International Monetary Fund projects Guyana’s economy to continue expanding by nearly 15% annually, further reinforcing its appeal to frontier-market investors.

Rise Guyana positions itself as a first mover in translating oil-driven growth into long-term infrastructure and real estate development. Operated by a Caribbean-based team with decades of experience in emerging markets, the firm blends local insight with international governance standards.

Among the fund’s early development plans are:

• A dual-branded Marriott City Express and Marriott City Suites hotel near Ogle Airport and Exxon’s headquarters;

• Modular housing manufacturing facilities to enable rapid, cost-effective construction;

• A private aviation services hub at Ogle and Timehri airports;

• Multi-phase greenfield residential projects along new highway corridors;

• A series of built, multi-family housing developments.

The fund targets a net internal rate of return (IRR) of 30%, employing a strategy that balances stable income-producing assets with high-growth opportunities.

“This is more than a real estate fund—it’s a platform for national transformation,” Thompson added. “We’re combining frontier returns with institutional governance to help shape the physical, economic and social future of Guyana. This is the first of many funds to come.”

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Earlier Wednesday, between 15:00 and 16:00 hrs, ranks of the Guyana Police Force conducted a targeted operation at Lot 18 Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, based on intelligence received regarding possible illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and narcotics.

The operation was led by Superintendent Dufu, who, upon arrival at the premises with other officers, observed a male of African descent—clad only in green trunks—fleeing the scene. Despite a swift attempt to apprehend him, the suspect successfully evaded capture and remains at large.

A thorough search of the premises revealed a quantity of ‘fronto’—a type of tobacco often associated with the use and distribution of marijuana—found in a yellow plastic bag, accompanied by several transparent ziplock bags.

In addition, officers discovered a stash of cash in mixed denominations, including Guyana currency notes of $5,000, $2,000, $1,000, $500, $100, and $20, as well as two US$50 notes and one US$20 note. The total value of the seized cash was calculated at $113,500.

The search continued and uncovered a black plastic bag containing a bulky parcel with a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. The suspected narcotic was transported to the Sparendaam Police Station, where it was weighed and confirmed to amount to 304 grams.

All items, including the cash and suspected cannabis, were lodged as investigations continue. Police are currently seeking the unidentified male suspect and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) on Tuesday presented a $4.28 billion budget for 2025, placing strong emphasis on improved drainage, urban development, and achieving the city’s long-term strategic goals.

Finance Committee Chairman, Lelon Saul, delivered the budget presentation, highlighting new revenue streams—particularly measures to regulate street vending—as key components of the Council’s 2025 agenda. He also pointed to several persistent challenges hampering the Council’s ability to implement projects effectively.

The presentation came several months behind schedule; it was originally due in November 2024 but was delayed due to administrative setbacks.

“In 2025, this year, our projected revenue is estimated at $3,837,518 and the expenditure is $4,282,490,755. The key objectives of our budget is to maintain in good order approximately 645 miles of drainage networks necessary for effectual drainage in the city,” Saul stated.

Notably, the budget reveals a significant deficit of $4.44 billion, prompting concerns about the city’s ability to meet its targets.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Alfonso De Armas.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor, Alfonso De Armas, expressed scepticism about the ambitious revenue projections.

“Last year the city generated, collected about $2.1 billion in revenues…but this year we are projecting an 81 per cent increase in revenues, halfway through the fiscal year none of those proposals have been implemented yet,” De Armas noted.

He added that it remains unclear where the expected funds will come from.

Saul explained that a major focus for 2025 will be on reducing mosquito breeding in the city, improving garbage disposal, and enhancing drainage systems. Public engagement is also set to increase, with more activities planned to educate and sensitise residents.

Revenue collection remains a cornerstone of the Council’s ability to finance projects. In this regard, the GM&CC will be looking to bolster income through general rates, market fees, billboard and advertising fees, leases, sanitation certificates, building permits, as well as street vending and public event charges.

Reflecting on 2024, Saul outlined several challenges that plagued the Council, including financial constraints, a shortage of manpower, and a lack of materials to execute key projects. Despite initiatives such as the regularisation of street vending and the introduction of a system to collect billboard and advertising fees, many of these efforts fell short of expectations.

One of the most critical issues, Saul admitted, was the Council’s failure to collaborate and communicate more effectively.

 

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