Eight persons were arrested after officials from the Guyana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) seized two vessels and one minibus laden with a quantity of uncustomed goods and foreign liquor in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
In a press release yesterday, GRA said that the arrests and seizures were as a result of two recent operations which were conducted with support from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Coast Guard.
Those in custody have been identified as Trevor Motielal, Stephon Motielal, Mohammed Hussain, Salim Hafiz, Saapynad Sukhanand, Kawail Sukhu and Mohamed Shamid.
GRA said three of the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at the Abary Foreshore, Region Five after they attempt to evade law enforcement officials. They operated an unlicensed vessel which was laden with a large quantity of foreign liquor and other uncustomed items.
The other five suspects were taken into custody during a separate operation at Number 43 Village koker, Region Six.
The GRA said a motor vessel along with a minibus laden with a large quantity of foreign alcoholic beverages, ccigarettes and other uncustomed items were seized from the suspects.
The agency is urging persons involved in smuggling and other illegal activities to “cease and desist” and bring themselves into compliance with the country’s Tax, Trade and Border laws.
