Smugglers overpower GRA team, escape with uncustomed goods

Revenue Authority officers were attacked by suspected smugglers in Berbice on Thursday during an operation that intercepted a vessel carrying uncustomed goods, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said in a statement.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. when Customs Enforcement officers detained a wooden motor vessel near No. 61 Village with a large quantity of undeclared goods, including alcoholic beverages. According to the GRA, the vessel was being escorted to a processing facility near No. 43 Village when a group of men ambushed the officers and forcibly reclaimed the boat and its contents.

The GRA said four suspects have since been arrested following joint efforts with the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit. Authorities are still trying to locate the vessel and the seized goods.

The agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and warned that persons found guilty of attempting to defraud the Revenue Authority face penalties or imprisonment under the Customs Act.

The public was urged to report smuggling or other illicit activities to the GRA’s hotline, with assurances that information will be treated confidentially and may qualify for rewards.