The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) is reviewing the need for further training of ranks after a suspected liquor smuggler released dogs to attack ranks during an operation at Lethem.
According to a CANU release, a joint operation with the Guyana Revenue Authority was conducted yesterday at Lethem and Lyndon Franklin of Lot 470 Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine, was arrested for allegedly smuggling goods from Brazil into Guyana.
The release said that 30 cases of Blackstone Whisky, nine cases of Blend Seven Whiskey, and four cases of Skarloff Vodka were found in the man’s lorry after he was intercepted. He is expected to be charged and placed before the Lethem Magistrate Court for breaches of the Customs Act.
During the operation, the release said that dogs belonging to the suspect were released into the yard and allowed to advance towards ranks after they entered the man’s premises. This resulted in an officer discharging a round to fend off the threat of attack after repeated requests to secure the animals were made. CANU later said it is holistically reviewing the incident to address the need for further training of its ranks to ensure they are able to withstand civilian intimidation. CANU is also imploring civilians to desist from advancing toward or attacking its officials in any way whilst they are executing their duties.
Since the Unit’s establishment in Region Nine, it has assisted GRA in a number of seizures of uncustomed goods evading the local ports and will continue to provide assistance to all its sister agencies whenever the need arises, the release added.
