Brazilian national arrested in major anti-smuggling operation in Mahdia

A Brazilian national has been arrested following a high-level intelligence-led joint operation conducted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in Central Mahdia, Region Eight, on Wednesday.

The operation, which targeted the business premises known as Filhao Shop, resulted in the arrest of Osmil Da Silva. Authorities seized a substantial quantity of raw gold, various pieces of equipment, documents, and in excess of $17 million in cash. Da Silva is currently in police custody and is assisting with ongoing investigations.

According to Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, Head of SOCU, the operation successfully disrupted an alleged illegal smuggling attempt before the gold could be transported across Guyana’s borders.

In March 2025, two Brazilian nationals were detained in Lethem, Region Nine, during a similar operation, which saw the seizure of a significant quantity of gold and more than $26 million in cash.

Another operation in April resulted in the arrest of two Brazilian nationals, a Cuban, and a Guyanese, with authorities confiscating over $30 million in gold and $31 million in cash.