Latest update November 23rd, 2024 12:13 AM
Container of counterfeit cigarettes seized
– refused entry into Suriname from Guyana
Authorities have reportedly seized a container of what is suspected to be counterfeit cigarettes and questions are now being asked as to how it left Guyana, reached Suriname and was turned back.
The counterfeit cigarettes seized were reportedly of the 555 brand
Sources close to the seizure said that officials of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were involved in escorting the container back to the city on Monday after it was held by the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS).
Kaieteur News was told that the 20-foot container came into the country recently as cargo but for some reason was recorded as “in-transit”. In it were reportedly counterfeit State Express 555 cigarettes. It was released and hauled by a container truck to Moleson Creek where it was somehow allowed to enter the Suriname/Guyana ferry.
According to sources close to the seizure, Suriname’s authorities at South Drain reportedly found that the driver had no insurance documents and other papers. The container was turned back.
The container was in the Berbice region when BASS members are reported to have held onto it and detained the driver.
Yesterday, officials of the GRA, when contacted, urged that the story be withheld since investigations are underway and the container may hold cargo other than cigarettes.
Additionally, GRA officials said, there are security fears.
GRA also issued a statement strongly advising all media houses not to publish any information with regards to the consignment since it is under investigation.
“The investigation is at the stage where it is highly sensitive and information needs to be held in the strictest of confidence. The organization is warning that release of any information can seriously compromise the investigation and endanger the lives of officers. The GRA is therefore asking the media to hold publication of any information regarding the consignment until the organization issues an official release.”
Yesterday, other officials expressed concerns and urged for investigators to probe reports whether the container came in as “cargo” but was recorded as being “in-transit”.
Counterfeit cigarettes is a multi-million-dollar business with entities in China being known manufacturers.
Local licenced distributors of cigarettes have been complaining of smuggling and counterfeit cigarettes which not only eat into profits but pose even more health risks since regulators are not sure under what conditions the cigarettes are made.
It is estimated that counterfeit cigarettes are being sold around 60% of the market price of the original, a highly lucrative trade, especially when taking into account that not many smokers are aware that what they are smoking is not the real thing.
According to one informed source yesterday, there is a vibrant underground trade for counterfeit cigarettes in Guyana, with smuggling rampant across the border with Suriname.
Demerara Tobacco Company Limited is the licenced distributor for the State Express 555 brand, but these are not at the moment being brought to Guyana.
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