In the early hours of Thursday, November 13, 2025, officers from the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were attacked by suspected smugglers during an enforcement operation near No. 61 Village, Berbice.
The operation targeted a large wooden motor vessel carrying a significant quantity of uncustomed goods, including alcoholic beverages. The Customs Enforcement Officers successfully detained the vessel and its occupants. However, while escorting the vessel to a processing facility near No. 43 Village, the officers were ambushed by a group of men who forcibly reclaimed the vessel and its cargo.
Thanks to prompt collaboration with the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit, four individuals involved in the ambush have been apprehended and will face prosecution for their actions. Efforts are still underway to locate the seized vessel and its contents.
The GRA reiterates its zero tolerance policy on smuggling. Individuals attempting to import or export goods to defraud the Revenue Authority of duties are committing an offense, punishable by penalties and/or imprisonment as outlined in Section 218 of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01.
The GRA encourages the public to report any suspicious or unlawful activities related to smuggling by contacting them at telephone number 227-6060, with extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3211, 3212, or 3408. All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality, and informants may be eligible for rewards in accordance with the Customs Act provisions.
