…cocaine seizure climb to 86 per cent
The Guyana Police Force on Thursday announced that the country’s murder rate has increased by 27.69 per cent mainly because of public disorder. The Force has recorded 71.4 per cent clear up rate for murders and an 83.5 per cent for Robbery Under Arms where firearms were used.
The announcement was made by Commissioner of Police (ag) Mr. Nigel Hoppie, at the Force’s
Annual Award Ceremony at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary.
Hoppie announced that serious crimes have decreased by 4.3 per cent. There was a decrease of 8.9 per cent of Break & Enter & Larceny and 6.1 per cent in Burglary compared to the same period last year.
The Force announced that for cocaine seized from January to date, 489 Kg, 87 Grams, representing an 86.5 per cent increase over the corresponding period. 39 persons were charged while 28 cases were made out.
758 Kg 771.26 Grams which represents a 21 per cent increase from January to date, over the corresponding period. 418 persons have been charged and 308 cases made while ten persons were charged for being in possession of ecstasy amounting to 313.35 Grams. Eight cases were made out.
Thirty-eight operations, thirty- three fields, three hundred and fourteen acres, five hundred and thirty-four thousand seven hundred and twelve (534, 712) plants weighing 1,134,548 Kg have been destroyed by the Guyana Police Force from January 1 to December. Dry cannabis totaling 266, 607 Kg were also destroyed
Meanwhile, there has been a 21 per cent increase in fatal accidents (120 for 2020 and 99 for 2019) for the year and a consequential 15% increase in fatalities (130 for 2020 and 113 for 2019).
Some 2997 ranks were awarded with more than $23M in cash and incentives for their outstanding work and dedication to service. However, due to the COVID-19 restrictions only a few of the ranks were present to receive their awards.
Hoppie charged the ranks to execute their duties with professionalism. “This year, one with challenges and experiences for the Police Force; However, despite these challenges and experiences the Force has performed creditably, in spite of some unsavory incidents, and has been able to maintain a safe and secure environment within the country. We are aware that more needs to be done, but we are also aware that we have prevailed,” he said.
He said that the Force will continue to work in tandem with its Strategic Plan which runs from 2019 through 2021.
