CANU, GRA intercept smuggled liquor from Brazil

A businessman of Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine, has been arrested for allegedly smuggling liquor into Guyana from Brazil.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) in a press release revealed that Lyndon Franklin was arrested at his residence following a joint operation with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Thursday afternoon.

The authorities seized 30 cases of Blackstone Whiskey Liquor, nine cases of Blend Seven Whiskey and four cases of Skarloff Liquor. The items were reportedly found inside the suspect’s truck while several other bottles of liquor were found on his premises.

According to CANU, the suspect was seen entering Guyana from Brazil in his lorry and was followed; he was subsequently seen emptying suspected smuggled and undeclared goods in his yard when GRA and CANU officials intercepted him.

He is expected to be charged and placed before the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for breaches of the Customs Act.

Meanwhile, CANU said it is aware of attempts by the said suspect and his “agents to agitate its officials who were performing duties on the operation.”

According to CANU, it received reports that after being on the premises, dogs of the suspect were released into the yard and allowed to advance towards ranks, which resulted in an officer discharging a round to fend off the said threat after repeated requests to secure the animals.

“CANU is holistically reviewing the incident to address the need for further training of its Ranks to ensure its Ranks are able to withstand civilian agitation and intimidations. Additionally, CANU is imploring civilians to desist from advancing to or attacking its Officials in any way whilst they are executing their duties,” the press release noted.