The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) today said it is disturbed by reports in the media about an organised gold smuggling racket.
A release from the GRA follows:
The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is most perturbed by recent revelations in the press about an organised gold smuggling racket and the implication of customs officials in this malpractice.
Based on its previous experiences in the past where the integrity of the GRA was compromised by officers within the Authority who have been in collusion with unscrupulous characters, fervent efforts have been made to hold officers accountable to standard operational procedures.
Moreover, based on the roles and responsibilities of customs officers, particularly at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and other ports of entry, it is quite baffling to the Authority that officers would be embroiled in the illegal gold smuggling ring. Nevertheless it is GRA’s view that every person or agency in question should cooperate with the authorities and avoid speculation.
In accordance with the law, passengers with gold worn jewellery are not required to make a declaration providing that it does not exceed a certain value. On the other hand those in possession of raw and scrap gold and those with gold in commercial quantities, must make the required declarations. In such instances, the declaration must be accompanied by an approved import licence and permission from the Guyana Gold Board with an attachment stating the price, weight and other particulars of the shipper and consignee.
There is therefore a likelihood that because of the foregoing provisions, there would be an enticement to smuggle items as worn jewellery in an attempt to elude Customs officials. As such, the support from other enforcement agencies such as the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) would be integral given the pervasive nature of smuggling.
Customs Officers at the CJIA do not monitor outgoing passengers’ baggage. This activity is monitored solely by CANU, the Criminal Investigation Department and Special Branch of the Guyana Police Force and airport security personnel. In the event of any discovery, Customs is notified by the relevant agency.
Additionally, with pressure from the international community for countries to strengthen its legislations to guard against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, there is likely to be greater scrutiny for persons from Guyana to disclose the source of their valuable assets to US authorities.
From a Customs perspective, the GRA will be seeking to ascertain the perpetrators in question to determine what enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the country’s border, trade laws and regulations.
It is however worth noting, that part of the responsibilities of Customs officers at the CJIA include the monitoring of the duty free shop, the incoming and outgoing desk, and the movement and transhipment of cargo.
