Latest update March 24th, 2025 7:05 AM
Container of liquor stopped in nick of time
Officials of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday continued their investigations at a city wharf into a container filled with undeclared liquor.
GRA’s officials remained tight-lipped yesterday with Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia unavailable for an update.
Investigations into an attempt to evade the state of millions in taxes from a shipment of high-end alcohol is continuing.
At the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) wharf, Lombard Street, the container was reportedly on a lock-down with GRA staffers business tallying up the find.
It had been incorrectly reportedly yesterday that the seizure occurred at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation.
It was not packed in the normal manner that liquor is packed. Rather, it was stashed, a source said.
The seizure reportedly occurred Wednesday.
From all indications, the container which was declared as including other items, was set to leave the GNIC wharf Wednesday when a routine check by a Customs officer unearthed the stash.
The 3,000-plus bottles included Absolut Vodka, Hennessy Cognac and Johnny Walker Whiskey.
The seizure was valued at some $13M.
It is suspected that collusion took place in the transaction.
GRA has been tightening up on smuggling and tax evasion with an ongoing clampdown netting billions of dollars that would have been lost otherwise.
The high-end vodka would likely have been headed for top night spots.
With regards to alcohol and fuel, GRA has introduced a special stamping system which is used to show that taxes have been paid.
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