Over $700k in alcohol seized by CANU, GRA, Brazilian authorities

A joint operation by the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Brazilian authorities have resulted in the seizure of over $700,000 in alcohol being smuggled into the country.

A statement from CANU noted that the operation was done in the Rupununi area in Region Nine between February 07 and 10. The items seized included alcoholic beverages such as Itaipava, Skarloff, Blackstone, Camelinho Wine, Pergola, Quinta Do Mongado, and Don Bosco wine.

As a result of this joint operation, CANU officers received further intelligence which led to a search at a residence in Palm Street, Lethem. There, another 100 cases of foreign beers were seized and two Venezuelan nationals were arrested.

“These operations are aimed at targeting groups that are engaged in the smuggling of various goods across our border from Brazil,” CANU stated.

Meanwhile, CANU responded to reports in sections of the media which the Unit says seeks to: “besmirch the reputation of our officers and the integrity of operations.”

CANU clarified that the seized items were handed over to GRA and not kept for personal use by the ranks.
“Despite the erroneous reports that were made via social media and in news articles, our agency wishes to report that, all of the seized uncustomed goods including the alcohol were handed over to GRA along with detained individuals.”

CANU further reminded that the smuggling of narcotics and other uncustomed goods is illegal and those found in possession of same, and/or are found transporting or storing them will be prosecuted accordingly.