Customs seizes smuggled chicken, liquor in Berbice

Jul 20, 2019 News

A recent operation spearheaded by Customs Department of the Guyana Revenue Authority, in conjunction with ranks from B’ Division and C’ Division has led to the seizure of some 400 boxes of smuggled chicken and 60 boxes of assorted liquor and beers, according to reports.

The smuggled chicken being unloaded at the Ruimveldt, Georgetown Wharf yesterday

According to a police source, Customs and GPF ranks swooped down at a location in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, as several men began to off load the items onto waiting vehicles. While it is said that the men have escaped, two boats, three engines, two buses and two cars have been seized by Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officials.
Reliable police sources have indicated that that the items were being smuggled for a known a smuggler (name provided) who resides at Annandale, East Coast Demerara.
The interception was executed at 10:00 hrs on Thursday night last, and investigations are progressing.
GRA has been clamping down on smuggling in Guyana. Commissioner General Godfrey Statia said that it is costing the economy millions of dollars through revenue losses.
Not so long ago Commissioner General of GRA Statia said that millions of dollars in revenues have been recouped from seizures of illegal fuel over the past three years, as the GRA continues to dent the ‘Black Market’ with support from its sister agencies.
In October 2018, Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) Officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) intercepted one motor vessel, “Plumrose”, with a quantity of diesel fuel in excess of 80,000 litres.
The officers conducted a rummage of the vessel and it was discovered that even though the intended use of the vessel was listed as “fishing purposes”, the “Plumrose” was converted for fuel transport.
Over the past year, the GRA has recouped billions of dollars in taxes from seizures and auctions not only from illegal fuel but also from breaches in motor vehicle concessions and IDA’s, and commonly smuggled items which include alcohol, foreign imported chicken, mosquito coils, and much more.

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