GRA alarmed at current trend of smuggling arms in personal consignments

Following a recent interception which led to charges against two persons, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has expressed alarm at the smuggling of arms and ammunition in personal consignments.

On November 17, 2023, utilising its sophisticated scanning equipment for incoming cargo, Customs and Law Enforcement Officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), seized several firearms and over 5,000 assorted rounds of ammunition of various calibre found concealed in a barrel containing foodstuff and household items imported from the USA. A release from the GRA noted that the consignee who presented himself for the uplifting of the barrel was taken into custody and handed over to the Guyana Police Force. The consignor was also identified by the Law Enforcement Officers and he and the consignee were charged and appeared in court.

With this being the second such seizure in as many months, the GRA said it is alarmed at the current trend of increased efforts to smuggle firearms and other such restricted items through personal consignments (barrels, boxes, packages, suitcases and containers) at ports of entry into Guyana. It said that Customs and other Law Enforcement Officers are using technology and maintaining high levels of alertness to detect and prevent such attempts to smuggle items including prohibited and restricted goods.

The GRA pleaded with the General

Public to report any illicit, unlawful or smuggling activities on telephone number 227-6060, Extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3211, 3212, or 3408.

It said that all information provided will be dealt with in strict confidentiality and such persons may be rewarded in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.