GGDMA calls for unmasking of masterminds behind recent gold smuggling attempt at CJIA

In light of the recent interception of three persons at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with some 240 ounces of gold, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) calls for a thorough investigation that will bring, not only those currently under arrest, to justice, but one that will unmask the masterminds in the operation.
However, the association congratulated the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Natural Resources Ministry, and the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) who played an integral role in apprehending the three persons while reiterating its zero-tolerance position for those who rob Guyana of required revenue from gold mining.
“The association will be closely monitoring this case and expects that the government agencies will ensure that there is full public disclosure and accountability. The GGDMA calls for a full disclosure of all those involved and stands fully behind the government in exposing these criminals,” a release from the association stated.
However, the GGDMA is encouraging all miners to sell their gold to the Guyana Gold Board [GGB] or Licensed Gold Dealers.
“Miners are also reminded that they should ensure that proper documentation and a periodic statement of their transactions is received from the Licensed Gold Dealer. This statement should be with the gold dealer’s records presented to GGB. This verification is important since it will ensure that your gold is properly accounted for and that your taxes are being correctly paid to the Government,” the release stated.
It was reported that two US citizens and one Guyanese were on Monday intercepted with US$560,000 worth of raw gold at the CJIA. They were outgoing passengers on an American Airlines flight to JFK Airport, New York.
The 240 ounces of pure (raw) gold was 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.
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.