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Over $30M in illegal goods seized during first quarter – GRA
“Smugglers being informed of impending visits”
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) says that it has seized over $30M worth in smuggled goods for the first three months of this year.
The state’s tax collection agency was responding to a story published yesterday in the Kaieteur News, in which a poultry farmer, Rajesh Tirbania, complained of smuggling in North West District, Region One, which he claimed is placing a strain on his business.
GRA insisted that while it has conducted a number of seizures in the North West District, the agency faces a number of challenges, including that of smugglers being informed of impending visits, particularly when officers leave by plane for the area. Difficulties faced by the absence of easy road access are also challenging the fight against smuggling.
“Despite the GRA not having a long term active or permanent presence in that location, the Guyana Police Force does have a base in the North West District, and as part of the National Taskforce on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband, it is equipped to detain persons suspected of smuggling and can seize goods suspected of not being legally imported,” the agency said.
Recently, two boats were detained by the police on suspicion of evasion. The boats were subsequently handed over to the GRA and the authority was able to recoup over $4M in taxes. “The Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) will continue to work with the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband in ensuring that these issues are effectively addressed. Moreover, the GRA will continue to put systems in place to ensure its enforcement activities are enhanced.”
However, the Authority warned, the effectiveness of this is dependent on cooperation from the public as it relates to sharing information on incidents of corruption and illegal activities that are geared at depriving the state of revenue or results in unfair competition with the local manufacturing sector and legitimate importers.
Regarding the $30M in seized goods, GRA said that based on information received and the use of coordinated patrols, goods inclusive of cooking oil, cigarettes, foreign chicken, alcoholic and non-alcoholic energy drinks and mosquito coils were seized.
“While these are among the frequently smuggled goods, a number of other goods such as electrical items, clothing, footwear and accessories, cell phones, digital cameras, wrist watches and heavy duty machinery among others were also seized.”
The seizures occurred in parts of Georgetown, the East Coast of Demerara and Berbice.
“Additionally, the law Enforcement and Investigations Divisions officers have been conducting anti-smuggling activities at Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge, Mabaruma and Kumaka. These exercises have resulted in the seizure of large quantities of foreign alcoholic beverages and other goods.”
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