By Mark DaCosta- In a significant shift within the Guyana Police Force, Superintendent Krishnadat Ramana has been appointed as the new Police Commander for Region One (Barima-Waini). The appointment, effective from Tuesday, September 11, 2024, comes amidst heightened security concerns following a major cocaine seizure in the region.
Ramana, known for his extensive experience within the force, announced his new role via a WhatsApp message to the Joint Services media group. While the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has not yet issued an official statement regarding the change, the transition follows the reassignment of Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh. Sawh, who previously held the position, has now been placed in charge of the force’s transport workshop.
The timing of Ramana’s appointment is particularly noteworthy, given the region’s recent involvement in a monumental drug bust. On September 1, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) executed a major operation that led to the discovery of four and a half tonnes of cocaine at an illegal airstrip in Region One. The narcotics, hidden in pits and covered with tarpaulin and foliage, were estimated to have a street value of 176 million Euros (US$195 million). This seizure is the largest ever on land in Guyana and has drawn attention from international law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The operation was obviously the culmination of months of intelligence gathering and surveillance, with authorities in Guyana now reportedly working with international partners to unravel the criminal networks involved in the drug trade. Between the bust and Ramana’s formal assumption of duties, Deputy Superintendent James Tappin had been temporarily overseeing the region’s police operations.
As the new commander, Ramana steps into his role under intense scrutiny. His ability to steer the ongoing investigation into the drug seizure and maintain order in a region that is clearly a focal point for drug trafficking will be closely watched. The influx of illicit activity in the remote Barima-Waini area, known for its dense forests and isolated communities, presents unique challenges for law enforcement.
The change in leadership for Region One follows growing concern from political and civic groups about the state of national security. The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), in particular, has raised several alarms in the wake of the Matthews Ridge cocaine bust. The opposition party has questioned how such a vast quantity of drugs could be stockpiled and transported without detection.
The PNCR has been vocal about the role of illegal airstrips, particularly in the hinterlands, which are frequently used for drug trafficking operations. These airstrips, concealed deep within the forests, are integral to transnational crime networks, and their existence points to lapses in surveillance and enforcement. The party has demanded that the government provide clearer answers about how these criminal enterprises have been able to flourish without being dismantled.
In addition, the PNCR raised concerns about the exclusion of the Guyana Police Force from the Matthews Ridge operation, suggesting that there may have been attempts by some police officers to cover up the massive drug shipment. This claim, if substantiated, would represent a major breach of trust in our nation’s law enforcement institutions.
According to the PNCR, the growing distrust in the police force is hampering the country’s ability to effectively combat crime. For years, the party has been calling for police reforms, accusing high-ranking officers of being complicit in illegal activities. The latest drug bust only reinforces the party’s argument that without substantial changes, the security of our country will continue to be compromised.
The recent developments in Region One serve as a stark reminder that while our country is experiencing growth and development, the threat of organised crime remains a significant challenge. With Superintendent Krishnadat Ramana now at the helm, the focus will be on how he handles the complex task of combating drug trafficking while restoring confidence in the region’s security apparatus.
The government, meanwhile, will be expected to respond to the growing criticism and calls for action. For Guyana to address the deep-rooted issues of organised crime, a holistic approach — one that includes law enforcement reform, community engagement, and international cooperation — will be essential.
