GRA seizes chicken, alcohol & cigarettes during operation at Mahaica

The Customs, Excise & Trade Operations of the Law Enforcement & Investigations Division (LEID) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Thursday seized three motor vehicles that were each carrying a large quantity of uncustomed chicken.
These vehicles were intercepted at Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara; and at a separate location in the said village, these LEID officers also seized a large quantity of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
Four persons have thus far been arrested, and they are assisting with the investigations.
The GRA has said it is continuing to maintain its “zero tolerance” approach to smuggling and other illegal activities with the aim of creating a ‘level playing field’ for legitimate businesses and the collection of revenue.
In a statement to the press, the revenue body has advised the public that foreign chicken is restricted, and the consumption of any restricted item without proper clearance and certification from the Health Ministry may be hazardous and detrimental to persons’ health.
The GRA is again encouraging persons involved in illegal importation activities to cease and desist from so doing, and to bring themselves into compliance with the nation’s tax, trade and border laws.
Earlier in the month, a motor vessel laden with a large quantity of foreign liquor and other uncustomed items was intercepted and seized at the Abary foreshore in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). That vessel was being operated by three men, who were arrested even as they attempted to evade the law enforcement authorities.
Apart from that incident, another motor vessel and a minibus, both laden with large quantities of foreign alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and other uncustomed items, were intercepted and confiscated at the koker at Number 43 Village, Corentyne, East Berbice. Five persons were arrested in that operation, and they were later charged.