CANU Seizes Suspected Narcotics, Stolen Motorcycles, and Uncustomed Goods in Tabatinga Operation
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, officers of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) conducted an intelligence-led operation in Tabatinga, Lethem.
During the operation, officers searched a clump of bush located obliquely opposite a premises occupied by Marlon Jarvis and discovered multiple zip-lock bags containing suspected cannabis. A male individual who identified himself as Alim Kartel was detained at the location and interviewed in relation to the discovery.
Information obtained during the interview prompted officers to attempt a search of the premises occupied by Mr. Jarvis. Mr. Jarvis declined to facilitate the search. As a result, a search warrant was lawfully obtained from the Lethem Magistrates’ Court. With assistance from the Guyana Fire Service, officers gained access to two structures within the compound, a two-storey building and a concrete shop.
A search of the shop uncovered suspected cannabis packaged in zip-lock bags, empty zip-lock bags, digital scales, and a quantity of uncustomed liquor. A search of the two-storey building resulted in the discovery of additional uncustomed liquor, a quantity of pink-coloured pills suspected to be ecstasy (MDMA), local and foreign currencies, and a quantity of yellow metal.
In a separate section of the yard, Officers discovered additional zip-lock bags containing
suspected cannabis and four motorcycles, which were later confirmed to be reported
stolen from Brazil.
No occupants were present at the premises during the search. The entire operation was
documented using officers’ body-worn cameras.
Officers from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were summoned to the location and
took possession of the uncustomed liquor. During this process, Marlon Jarvis arrived at
the premises, was cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the Lethem Police Station along
with the suspected narcotics, currencies, yellow metal, and other items, which were
lodged as exhibits.
At the Lethem Police Station, the suspected narcotics were weighed and recorded as
follows:
Suspected cannabis
• Bulk 1: 519 g
• Bulk 2: 1.626 Kg
• Suspected ecstasy (MDMA): 65 g
Currencies counted in the presence of Mr. Jarvis amounted to:
• GYD $2,174,600
• USD $572
• TTD $100
• GBP £45
• EUR €30
• BRL R$5,416
A quantity of uncustomed goods was also seized.
Both Marlon Jarvis and Alim Kartel were escorted to the Lethem Police Station.
Investigations are ongoing.
CANU remains committed to working closely with local and international law enforcement partners to disrupt narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities.