Raw gold, $17M seized by SOCU in gold smuggling crackdown

A Brazilian national was arrested Wednesday afternoon following a major intelligence-led joint operation conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in Central Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Osmil Da Silva, was apprehended at his business place, Filhao Shop. During the operation, law enforcement officials seized a substantial quantity of raw gold, various pieces of equipment, documents, and over $17 million. Da Silva is currently in police custody and is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, Head of SOCU, stated that the operation successfully disrupted an alleged illegal smuggling scheme, before the gold could be transported across Guyana’s borders. He emphasized that the operation forms part of a broader strategy to combat illicit gold trade and protect the country’s mineral wealth.
“This is a significant step in our efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and gold smuggling,” Karimbaksh noted. “We remain committed to safeguarding Guyana’s resources and ensuring that those involved in these activities are brought to justice.”
This latest arrest adds to a series of recent operations targeting foreign nationals suspected of involvement in unlawful mining activities. In March 2025, two Brazilian nationals were arrested in Lethem, Region Nine, following the seizure of a large quantity of gold and more than $26 million. In April, another operation led to the detention of two Brazilians, a Cuban, and a Guyanese, along with the confiscation of more than $30 million in gold and $31 million in cash.
In March, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had issued a stern warning to individuals involved in gold smuggling, stating that ongoing intelligence operations will result in arrests and legal action.