Georgetown: The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) disclosed that it has seized in excess of $30 million in illegal goods during the first quarter of this year.
The regulatory agency made this disclosure in a statement in which it said that a large number of businesses continue to engage in smuggling activities.
The Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) officers, the GRA said is working diligently to address this challenge.
The GRA disclosed that as a result of a tip-off, several exercises were conducted around Georgetown, East Coast Demerara and Berbice areas during which goods such as cooking oil, cigarettes, foreign chicken, alcoholic and non-alcoholic energy drinks and mosquito coils were confiscated.
In addition, frequently smuggled items including electrical items, clothing, footwear and accessories, cellphones, digital cameras, wristwatches and heavy-duty machinery, among others, were also seized.
Evading duties
The agency further stated that the police had recently confiscated two boats which it suspected were evading duties. The vessels were subsequently handed over to GRA, which was able to recoup over $4 million in applicable Customs Duty and Taxes.
According to the authority, the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division will continue to work with the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband in order to ensuring that such illegal activities are effectively addressed.
In February last, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by key law enforcement agencies for a floating patrol base to be operated at the mouth of the Pomeroon River.
The MoU was signed by the former Guyana Police Force Commissioner Leroy Brumell; GDF Deputy Chief-of-Staff, Colonel Kemraj Persaud; Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit head James Singh; GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur; and Guyana Energy Agency head, Dr Mahender Sharma.
The floating patrol base will be under the command and control of the GDF and was mandated with detecting the smuggling and trafficking of drugs, firearms, and other contraband items, with each agency being given specific tasks in the process.
Meanwhile, GRA has pledged that it will continue to put systems in place to ensure its enforcement activities are enhanced.
“The Guyana Revenue Authority would continue to use all available resources to minimise smuggling activities at the ports of entry and other locations in Guyana,” the agency said.
However, the authority noted that it can only be effective in this aim only if the public fully cooperates 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.
On this note, persons with information can utilise the various methods of providing information to the GRA.
Persons with information can call the agency’s switchboard on telephone numbers 227-8222 or 227-6060, extensions 3201-3208 and request the relevant officials from the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division.
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