GRA calls on citizens to report smuggling of chicken and other goods

In the past few weeks, local chicken producers have been complaining about an increase in the smuggling of chicken from neighbouring Brazil and Suriname. The smuggled chicken is being sold at a cheaper cost in a number of communities.

GRA calls on citizens to report smuggling of chicken and other goods

As part of its ongoing campaign to clamp down on the smuggling of chicken and other goods, the Guyana Revenue Authority is seeking the public’s help to track down smugglers.

In the past few weeks, local chicken producers have been complaining about an increase in the smuggling of chicken from neighbouring Brazil and Suriname. The smuggled chicken is being sold at a cheaper cost in a number of communities.

In a statement today, the GRA said it has been tracking down the situation and has already placed a number of persons before the Courts in relation to smuggling activities.

The revenue collection agency today said anyone who may have information on smuggling activities in any part of the country should contact its law enforcement division on telephone number 227-6060 ext 3202 & 3206, to share the information.

The GRA is promising that all of the information will be treated with the strictest of confidentiality.

The GRA also reminded the public today that smuggling is illegal and anyone who attempts to import or export goods with intent to defraud the Revenue Authority of any duties is guilty of an offense and is liable for such offense to fines and or imprisonment in accordance with Section 218 of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01.  

The GRA said in recent months, its Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID), with help from allied regulators, has clamped down on a number of operations involving illegal importation and movement of large quantities of illegally obtained goods, including chicken and alcohol. Several persons were charged for these offenses.

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