Energy agency seizes illegal fuel at Helena Number One

-smugglers attempted to sink vessel

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) yesterday said that it seized illegal fuel on Monday at Helena Number One, Mahaica.

In a statement, it said that Inspectors of the GEA with support from the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Revenue Authority conducted the operation.

During the operation, the statement said that officers observed two boats, linked together, containing several drums.

“The occupants of the vessels refused to comply with instructions issued by the officers for them to come ashore and initially started to sail away. However, shortly after, they abandoned the vessels by jumping into the river and making good their escape. Efforts to pursue them proved futile”, the GEA statement said.

A public-spirited citizen helped by swimming and pulling the boats ashore.

“Upon retrieving the vessels, it was discovered that there were efforts by the occupants to sink the

larger of the two vessels. Thirty eight drums containing fuel were also discovered which is estimated to be 1,900 gallons. Field tests carried out by GEA’s Inspectors revealed that the fuel was illegal as the marker concentration was below the legal level. As a result, all 38 drums of fuel were seized along with both vessels, an outboard engine and a gasoline powered pump. Investigations into the incident are ongoing”, the statement added.

The GEA lauded the efforts of its Inspectors and Field Operation Coordinator for their diligence and commitment in managing the operation.

GEA said that anyone with information on fuel smuggling activities can report same at 226-0394 exts. 204 or 239 or 629-3391.