By KNEWS

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Pres. Ali warns of criminal networks using Guyana

Sep 17, 2025
News

…but silent on U.S. deadly strike on alleged traffickers

Kaieteur News – President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday said his administration’s concern lies with ensuring Guyana’s territory is not used by criminal networks.

He was asked at a press conference whether his government shared any concern about the legality of the strikes by the United States military on an alleged Venezuelan drug cartel vessel, which killed at least 14 persons in two separate operations. The strikes form part of the Donald Trump administration’s plans to confront drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere, which Washington says threatens America’s national security.

For his part, Ali noted that his government remains continuously concerned about criminals exploiting international waters or countries’ exclusive economic zones to destabilise economies.

“We have raised an alert about the overflights over Guyana of suspected narco traffickers and drug planes, and their overflight over Guyana and we have been talking to our partners, and to help support us in terms of our air surveillance and tracking system, because we don’t want our territory to be used, we don’t want our land or sea to be used by any criminal network,” Ali said.

He stressed that his administration has a duty and responsibility to make the necessary investments to secure Guyana’s borders and safeguard its people. He also outlined ongoing efforts to contribute to maintaining the region as a zone of peace.

Further, when asked to address recent comments by Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, who warned of direct consequences if Guyana or Trinidad and Tobago allow their territories to be used by the US military to attack Venezuela, Ali said he is aware of the statements but insisted that Guyana’s sovereignty is a matter for Guyana alone.

“What Guyana does in relation to its sovereignty is our business,” Ali asserted. He added, “I want to make it very clear that our priority as a government, as a people, is to ensure this region remains a zone of peace…whilst our priority is to ensure that this region remains a zone of peace, we are also conscious of the impact of transnational crime, drug trafficking and other forms of illicit activities, and the impact it can have on our people, the region, and our economy.”

President Ali further outlined engagements among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, as well as meetings between Guyana and the U.S., aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fight against transnational crime and forming a coalition to target criminal networks.

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