Smugglers made good their escape by jumping overboard after they were caught transporting some 1900 gallons of illegal fuel.
The bust was made during the course of an operation conducted by inspectors of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) with support from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the vicinity of Helena Number
The smaller of the two vessels also seized
One, Mahaica on Monday.
Officers observed two boats linked together, with several drums on board, according to a statement from the GEA.
The GEA said 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 and jumped into the river, making good their escape. The GEA said efforts to pursue them proved futile.
A public-spirited citizen assisted the authorities by swimming out and pulling the boats ashore, according to the GEA.
Upon retrieving the vessels, it was discovered that there were efforts by the occupants to sink the larger of the two.
Thirty-eight drums containing fuel were also discovered. They were estimated to be holding 1900 gallons of fuel.
Field tests carried out by GEA’s Inspectors revealed that the fuel was illegal as the
Some of the drums of fuel seized by the GEA
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. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The GEA lauded its Inspectors and Field Operation Coordinator for their diligence and commitment in managing the operation.
The Agency said it continued to monitor fuel-related activities to ensure compliance with the GEA Act and Regulations. The GEA also reminded the general public that fuel smuggling affected everyone, and urged anyone with information on fuel smuggling activities to report same to the GEA on 226-0394, extensions 204 or 239, or 629-3391.
