Origins of threats against CANU Director possibly identified- Singh

Authorities now have a clearer understanding of where the most recent threats against the life of Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Director James Singh originated from, and the groups involved.

This is according to Singh, as he provided an update to media at a sideline interview, earlier today.

The threats, first reported in August 2025, were linked to recent crackdowns on major drug trafficking operations in Guyana.

Senior security officials confirmed that intelligence regarding the threats was initially shared by international partners. A message, reportedly intercepted via WhatsApp, indicated growing frustration among high-level drug figures: “What’s happening is that them man getting real impatient and fed up with the big man. So, they want throw he down,” the message read.

Today, Singh confirmed that the threat remains, but investigations have helped identify possible sources.

“We received some information where the threat came from and the possible group behind it. In this field, there is always a threat. This was more pronounced and I’m working with our counterparts both locally and internationally. It’s still there but I think we are more aware of what is going on and those organisations behind it have been, I wouldn’t say targeted, but a lot more attention has been paid to them both within Guyana and externally,” Singh said.

When asked to clarify which “organisations” he was referring to, Singh highlighted Venezuela’s role in the regional drug trade.

“Well, I can tell you most of the drugs coming into Guyana are coming from …our neighbouring country Venezuela, which is labelled the ‘Narco State’, so they would be the ones who have a vested interest in intimidating us, as they normally do, to allow the drugs to move freely, because obviously they are not doing enough to stop the flow of drugs whether by sea or by air,” he explained.

Singh also addressed whether he personally received the threats, noting, “I’m not at liberty to say directly but they were directed to me, so the means in which it came, there were several means. Again, the information came both from our local partners as well as our international partners.”

Authorities have since heightened security measures for Singh and key CANU personnel.

The CANU Director emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, given the transnational nature of the threats and the ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit drug trafficking in Guyana.