Rupununi Chamber condemns recent actions by CANU agents

In light of a recent video that surfaced on social media and in the news which showed that a businessman was assaulted by an agent of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has condemned the act and has called for the dismissal of the perpetrator.
The act was reportedly committed on Thursday during an operation by CANU and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) at Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
In a statement, the Chamber said from the evidence presented, “CANU needs to immediately withdraw these officers from Lethem and the wider Rupununi region and confine them to training facilities to ensure that they comply with established operating procedures while executing their duties.”
It went on to say that an immediate investigation into what transpired is needed, as the situation left many persons traumatised.
“This officer should be dismissed immediately as we do not have any confidence that he has or will conduct himself in a way that fits his profession. The Chamber in no way condones the violation of any law of Guyana and is aware that a senior law enforcement officer, who was caught in Linden with smuggled items, was allowed to return to active duty seemingly without any penalties for the act he committed.”
It was reported that on Thursday two persons were arrested following the discovery of a quantity of alcohol suspected to have been smuggled into Guyana through Brazil.
Based on reports received, 30 cases of Black Stone Whisky, four cases of Skarloff Beers and nine cases of Blend Seven Whiskey were seized following the joint operation.
Meanwhile, the two men who were arrested on Thursday were later released on $150,000 bail each.