GNBS seizes Non-Compliant Cigarette

Dec 21, 2009 News

The Guyana National Bureau of Standard (GNBS) conducted routine surveillance visits at shops and markets in Region four, five and six where they seized non-compliant brands of cigarettes which were inadequately labeled and did not meet the basic labeling requirements as specified in the National Guyana Standard for Tobacco products.

The Cigarettes that were seized

According to Public Relations Officer, Lloyd David, as a result of surveillance exercises conducted, quantities and brands of cigarettes were seized and removed by the GNBS. Eight cartons of the Morello brand cigarettes, 48 cartons and 28 packets of the Capital brand, 11 packets of the Fast brand, 11 packets of Smart, 6 packets of Marlboro, 8 packets of Jaisalmer and two cartons of counterfeit Bristol.
He added that these non-compliant brands of cigarettes were being sold at some outlets, despite numerous surveillance exercises and continuous appeals made by the GNBS to dealers to discontinue the purchase and sale of non-compliant products. Further investigation conducted by the GNBS revealed that most of the non-complying brands of cigarettes were smuggled into Guyana from Suriname and sold to consumers at cheaper prices.
Apart from these cigarettes being inadequately labeled, they can threaten the safety and health of their users.
According to Chief Inspector, Jermaine Softley, they discovered counterfeit Bristol cigarettes which are believed to be smuggled from Suriname and are almost identical to the original Bristol Cigarettes, except for the expiry date, which indicates that the product was expired on December 10, 2009, as stated on the side of the packets.

(Rabindra Rooplall)