GRA seizes suspected counterfeit US$ at CJIA cargo bond
Customs officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) have recently seized a quantity of suspected imitation US currency that was in an incoming package at a well-known cargo bond at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri.
In a press release, the GRA disclosed that the package contained 500 pieces of replica US$100 bills, suspected to be imitation currency. The bills had all the trademarks of the US$100 bill, but there were some additional markings.
Law enforcement officers are attempting to locate the consignee to assist with the investigations.
Suspected imitation currency seized at the CJIA
The relevant authorities both in Guyana and overseas have been notified in order that further investigations might be undertaken in keeping with the provisions of the Customs and Anti-Money Laundering Acts, and investigations are ongoing.
The release added that 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.
The Second Schedule Part II of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 restricts goods which bear a design in imitation of any currency or bank notes or coin in common use in Guyana or elsewhere, unless with the approval of the Commissioner-General.
The GRA has reiterated that all such persons dealing in, or contemplating engaging in, such illegal activities must cease and desist therefrom, or face the consequences of their actions.
The Guyana Revenue Authority is entreating 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 would be dealt with strict confidentiality.
