Already facing charges for having in his possession components of a firearm when he is not a licensed firearm holder and discharging a loaded firearm, businessman Harrielall Motilall called ”Jinga Harry” is once again being accused of opening fire on enforcement officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Head of the Enforcement Unit at GRA, Jason Moore confirmed the incident and told the News Room that Motilall is alleged to be the shooter.
Moore explained that several officers from GRA were responding to information received of illicit smuggling activities at a bond at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara on Friday night.
According to Moore, while attempting to intercept persons with the items, the GRA officers came under heavy gunfire. No one was injured.
Moore also said the police were called in to provide backup to the GRA officers on the ground.
But News Room was informed that even the police were ill-equipped to return fire as the alleged smugglers were using AK-47s.
Moore would only say that one male has been arrested as the investigation continue.
The News Room understands that several smuggled items were seized.
Motilall is currently on bail for similar offences.
The 60-year-old businessman of 11-12 Helena#1, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, made an appearance before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on September 17 and denied the charges.
According to the police, Motilall was arrested on September 15, 2020 for a 2019 incident where an officer of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) was shot in a stakeout at Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara.
