Guyana Customs foils attempted gold smuggling to New York

• US citizens arrested after gold seized by customs in Guyana

Customs officials in Guyana have detained three people, including two US citizens, as they attempted to board an American Airlines flight bound for New York. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said the arrest followed the discovery of 240 ounces of gold jewelry disguised as silver-plated items, valued at more than $560,000.

The pure gold was transported out of the country without the necessary permits or declaration to Customs.

The operation was fully supported by officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU).

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is conducting investigations to determine if they are part of a ring allegedly smuggling gold out of Guyana.

The GRA said charges are likely to be laid under the Customs and Anti-Money Laundering Acts, with relevant authorities both in Guyana and abroad notified of the results of investigations.

“The Authority continues to take note of the alarming trend in attempts to smuggle goods, including gold, monetary instruments, weapons and narcotics, through ports in Guyana and warns that all such persons are engaged in or are considering engaging in such illicit activities to take, to stop taking it and to stop taking it. or face the consequences of their actions.”

The GRA said it urges the public to report any illegal, unlawful or smuggling activity and that any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.