Smugglers allegedly ambush GRA officers; take away seized vessel with contraband goods

Several officers from the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were reportedly attacked by alleged smugglers during an intelligence-driven enforcement operation in the vicinity of No. 61 Village, Corentyne Berbice, on Thursday.
The authority, in a release, stated that during an operation, officers intercepted a large wooden motor vessel transporting a large quantity of contraband goods, including alcoholic beverages. As such, the goods were seized, and several persons who were on board were arrested.
However, while the vessel and its contents were being escorted to a designated facility for processing, the officers were ambushed by a group of men who forcefully retrieved the vessel and seized the items.
Through swift collaboration with the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit, four of the perpetrators were arrested while efforts were underway to locate the vessel and its contents.
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is reminding the public of its “zero tolerance” approach to smuggling, and anyone who attempts to import or export goods with the intent to defraud the Revenue Authority of any duties is guilty of an offence and is liable to penalties and/or imprisonment.
In addition, the GRA is pleading with the public to report any illicit, unlawful or smuggling activities on telephone number 227-6060, extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3211, 3212, or 3408.
Four years ago, two GRA officers came under fire during an anti-smuggling operation at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD). It was reported that one of the officers was shot to the face, and the other was shot in the abdomen.
The GRA had reported that during a night operation along with police ranks, it attempted to intercept a vessel owned by a well-known suspect which was allegedly transporting smuggled goods in the Mahaica River.
However, as they moved in, they came under high-powered and spotlighted gunfire from the suspect’s property and vessel. The suspect, Harrielall Motilall, called “Jinga Harry”, had later stated that he had nothing to do with the shooting incident.