2 US citizens among 3 intercepted with US$560,000 in gold at CJIA

Two US citizens and one Guyanese were on Monday intercepted with US$560,000 worth of raw gold at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri. They were outgoing passengers on an American Airlines flight to JFK Airport, New York.
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) stated that customs officers with the support of officers attached to the Natural Resources Ministry and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), unearthed 240 ounces of pure (raw) gold disguised as silver-plated jewellery.
The gold was confiscated after the three passengers were unable to produce the required permit and declaration to customs officials.
The GRA in a release to the media disclosed that passengers were arrested and handed over to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) where they will be further interrogated to determine whether they are part of a gold smuggling ring operating out of Guyana.
“Charges are likely to be made under the Customs and Anti-Money Laundering Acts, with the relevant Authorities both here and overseas being informed of the results of the Investigations,” the GRA added.
However, the GRA continues to note the alarming trend in the efforts to smuggle items including gold, monetary instruments, arms, and narcotics through ports in Guyana.
As such, the authority reiterates that individuals dealing in or contemplating engaging in such illegal activities to desist from doing so or face the consequences.
Back in October 2023, the Natural Resources Ministry announced that an investigation would be launched into whether gold smuggling/illegal trade is responsible for the drop in gold declarations.
The ministry reminded miners that they are required to sell all the gold they find to licensed gold dealers/traders or to the Guyana Gold Board.
The Ministry further reminded them that it is illegal to purchase gold without the requisite licence. On this note, the Ministry stated that the relevant agencies will be tasked with ensuring the laws surrounding the selling of gold are upheld and further, an investigation has been launched into the disparity in gold declarations and investments.
The Bank of Guyana (BoG), in its first quarter statistical report for 2023 on the performance of the economy for the year, had said gold declarations decreased by 5.3 per cent when compared to the same period in 2022.
For 2022, the declaration was 486,415 ounces; in 2021 it was 499,054 ounces; in 2020 recorded 584,291 ounces and in 2019 some 634,905 ounces.
Nevertheless, in light of the recent interception at the CJIA, the GRA again entreats the General Public to report any illicit, unlawful, or smuggling activities on telephone number 227-6060, Extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3211, 3212, or 3408. All information provided will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.