“My administration has no sympathy for drug smugglers” says President Ali.
On Wednesday December 17th, 2025, President Irfaan Ali reiterated the Guyana Government’s unwavering support of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and other forms of smuggling in the region.
“We have a strong partnership with the U.S. and other international partners in dealing with every form of smuggling and drug trafficking,” the Head of State told reporters after delivering a 5-year blueprint for his administration to fast-track transformation and generate wealth for the Guyanese people during its term in office.
“My administration has absolutely no sympathy for drug traffickers. Tens of thousands, millions of lives are destroyed, and also economies are destroyed by smuggling… We also see our region as one in which democracy must be able to thrive, in which the rule of law must win every single day, [and] in which the freedom of our people, wherever they live and exist, must be honored. And that is an important element of any modern society, and we support the region being a zone of peace.”
The Guyanese leader’s remarks come on the heels of the United States conducting massive military operations off the Venezuelan shore to combat transnational crime and the illicit drug trade.
However, Washington has been criticized over the operation especially after the US seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela last week. In fact, just days ago, President Donald Trump ordered a total and complete blockade of all US-sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.