GRA on high alert following discovery of guns, ammo in barrel

– says sophisticated scanning equipment being used to boost operations

In light of the recent discovery of nine firearms and over 5000 assorted rounds of ammunition of various calibres in a barrel that was shipped from Atlanta Georgia, USA, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) called on persons to cease and desist therefrom these illegal practices.
The gun and ammunition were detected on November 17, 2023, using sophisticated scanning equipment for incoming cargo at the GNIC Wharf. The shipment was made via Laparkan.
In a release from the GRA, it stated that the consignee who presented himself for the upliftment of the barrel, at the time of the re-inspection, together with the ammunition and guns, was taken into custody and handed over to the Guyana Police Force.
The consignor was also identified by the law enforcement officers, and together with the consignee were charged and prosecuted by the Police.
However, with this being the second such seizure in as many months, the GRA is alarmed at the current trend of increased efforts to smuggle firearms and other such restricted items through personal consignments at ports of entry into Guyana.
As a matter of fact, the authority stated that the Customs and other law enforcement officers are using technology and are maintaining high levels of alertness to detect and prevent such attempts to smuggle items including prohibited and restricted goods.
“The Authority once again advises all such persons dealing in or contemplating engaging in such illegal activities to cease and desist therefrom,” the GRA stated.
Further, the Revenue Authority again pleads with the general public to report any illicit, unlawful or smuggling activities on telephone number 227-6060, extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3211, 3212, or 3408.
It stated that all information provided will be dealt with strict confidentiality and such persons may be rewarded in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.