Guyana: Buxton residents protest after arrest of alleged drug runner
Unrest erupted in Buxton, Guyana, today after police arrested an alleged drug trafficker near the village, located on the East Coast of the Demerara River.
Residents blocked the roadway, burnt debris and destroyed property as they showed their displeasure towards members of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), who they accused of firing live ammunition indiscriminately as they pursued the suspect.
In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs admitted that police fired shots, but it did not address complaints that officers actediscriminately.
“Some warning shots were fired during the operation to stop the fleeing vehicle, which ended up in a nearby trench,” the ministry stated.
The ministry said protesters wanted police to release the suspect, who was allegedly found with several bundles of cannabis amounting to 51.2 pounds in his possession.
The ministry stated that CANU’s interception of the man was an “intelligence-led operation”.
Police officers and the fire service have responded and are working to clear the streets.
The ministry added that it “is calling on persons engaged in the blocking of the roadways and other illegal activities to desist from this practice”.
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