The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was keen to note today that it has zero tolerance on the illegal importation of goods, specifically chicken. It said several persons have already been found culpable of this act and were placed before the courts.
The GRA made the foregoing comment in response to an article published in the Stabroek News dated March 22, 2023, captioned “Poultry producers upset at chicken smuggling, GRA is addressing the issue to prevent further smuggling of goods into Guyana.”
In a statement to the press the tax agency said, “GRA wishes to remind the public 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.”
Guyana Standard understands that in recent months the GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID), with help from allied regulators such as the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department and the Veterinary Public Health Unit, Ministry of Health, has clamped down on a number of operations involving illegal importation and movement large quantities of illegally obtained goods (including chicken and alcohol).
GRA also reminded that uncustomed goods not only affect revenue collection but also seriously threaten public health and safety, particularly when those items are of a perishable nature.
The tax authority also sought to urge anyone with knowledge of smuggling activities to report same to the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) on 2276060 ext 3202 & 3206. Reports can be made anonymously and treated with the strictest confidence.
