Here are some measures taken by the Government to tackle narco-traffickings since 1992.

* In 1994, an agreement was signed between the Government of Guyana (GOG) and the Government of Colombia in which Guyanese law enforcement officers benefited from anti-narcotics training.

* The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) was set-up in an effort to assist in curbing narco-trafficking. This agency has been in existence eight years now.

* The Narcotics Unit has benefited from cooperation from neighbouring countries Suriname, Venezuela and Brazil and the Caribbean, with the exception of Cuba. There is a U.S Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) representative in Venezuela and one in Suriname. In Brazil, officers from CANU have their connections. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is trying to formalise links among these countries and worldwide.

* There is also a United Kingdom liaison officer in Trinidad and Tobago with responsibility for Guyana. This collaboration has seen success in operations and is based on the sharing of information to control narco-trafficking.

* Guyana is an active participant of the Regional Drug Squad Commanders (RDSC), established in 1993, and meets annually with a view to finding recommendations to curb narco-trafficking. Operations Summer Storm and Hurricane are two of several operations in which Guyana participated.

* Each year, CANU officers and officers from the Guyana Police Force undergo intense training in narcotic investigations in Jamaica. To date, 379 officers have benefited from this training.

* Monies used to fund the overseas training come from the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

* Training is done by the Caribbean Regional Drug Law Enforcement Centre (REDTRACK) in Jamaica.

* Over 149,108 kilogrammes of cannabis was sized over the 11 year period with over 3,200 cases made, with more than 3,700 persons being charged by the GPF Narcotics branch and CANU.

* More than 6,700 kilogrammes of cocaine was seized with over 1,300 cases made, and over 1,500 persons have been charged with the offence by the GPF Narcotics branch and CANU.

* Police and CANU presence at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the country's borders has intensified, to track the illegal substances arriving or leaving the country.

* Sniffer dogs are being trained and at the moment seven are based at the CBJ International airport.

* In April 2001, Guyana and the United States signed a Shiprider Agreement to suppress illicit traffic by sea and air. The agreement seeks to reduce the ability of illicit narcotics traffickers to elude maritime law enforcement agencies within and outside the territorial waters of Guyana, as well as to strengthen Guyana's maritime law enforcement capabilities.

* On July 23, 2003, the National Assembly passed the Maritime Drug Trafficking (Suppression) Bill 2003. The Bill will provide the legal framework for the implementation of provisions of international, hemispheric, regional and bilateral agreements of which Guyana is a part.

* Within the provision of the Bill, law enforcement officials of a treaty state, may, with the permission of Guyana, embark on a law enforcement vessel of Guyana to carry out law enforcement action. Assistance may also be given by Guyana to permit law enforcement vessels of a treaty state to follow a foreign aircraft or vessel into Guyana's water.

* The United States has been instrumental in increasing the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to patrol its borders by providing four motor lifeboats for the Coast Guard.

* Guyana plays an active role in the Regional Task Force on Crime and Security in which Ministers and Attorneys General with the responsibility for national security within the Caribbean hold meetings in an effort to control illegal activities.

* Brazil has had law enforcement officers from foreign territories, Guyana and Suriname to work in their country to control narco-trafficking. This is the first time ever that such an operation has been held. Operation GUISU occurred December last.

* Upon request, members of CANU and the GPF will give lectures to school children and teachers of the dangers of using illegal drugs.

* Under the Fugitive Offenders Act, drug offenders can be extradited to treaty and non-treaty countries.

* Guyana is also linked to INTERPOL. The Narcotics Unit also plays an active role in the World Customs Organisation.

The subject of training in investigative work, especially for middle managers and training in anti money laundering and anti-narcotic measures formed an integral part of the deliberations at the last Conference of Regional Police Commissioners. Guyana was represented by then acting Commissioner, Floyd Mc Donald.

It was arrived at that these forms of training would be conducted across the Region, with the assistance of international organisations.