GRA expresses concern about smuggling of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages among other goods from Suriname
–     On Wednesday last, GRA said thirty four bales of smuggled cigarettes were intercepted in Georgetown and a container of counterfeit cigarettes with a market value of over four million dollars ($4M) is currently being tracked THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said it is deeply concerned about the high incidence of smuggling of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and other goods from neighbouring Suriname into Guyana.

GRA in a statement said its Commissioner-General, Mr. Kurshid Sattaur, is peeved that smugglers are evading payment of customs duties, Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise tax on imported goods as well as the payment of income taxes.

These result in an unfair competitive advantage over importers who are complying with the country’s tax laws, and GRA said it would like to commend those importers who are complying.

GRA noted that it has taken several initiatives in an effort to curb the smuggling of goods across the Guyana /Suriname border including the establishment of a Law Enforcement, Intelligence and Special Investigation function to enhance its law enforcement measures. This also includes working closely with the Berbice Anti Smuggling Squad (BASS).

However, Sattaur said in order for the work of the Division to be successful, there needs to be more bi-lateral co-operation to address the issue of smuggling. The GRA notes that there has been an upsurge in smuggled tobacco products and alcoholic beverages originating from Suriname which has serious revenue implications and can impact negatively on regular imports.

The Law Enforcement and Investigation Division of the Guyana Revenue Authority has been making strides in relation to the interception of illegally imported tobacco and alcoholic beverages. On June 30, thirty four (34) bales of smuggled cigarettes were intercepted in Georgetown and a container of counterfeit cigarettes with a market value of over four million dollars ($4M) is currently being tracked.

To further boost its operations in the Region Six area, the organization said it has established a Customs checkpoint at Crab Island to inspect vehicles transporting goods from Suriname to determine if the goods were declared and the applicable taxes were paid.

Vehicles found to be transporting uncustomed goods will be detained along with those persons in possession of same. Smugglers will be dealt with according to the law, which include taxes and fines up to three times the cost of the goods. In addition smugglers will be subject to prosecution in the courts.

While the organization has its plans and strategies in place, GRA said the support of the private sector as well as members of the public cannot be dispensed with. Individuals and members of the business community need to act by sharing their knowledge of any illegal practice by individuals or businesses to evade taxes through smuggling, with the Authority.

Persons may chose their methods of providing information, but the organization has seen it fit to provide the public with an additional option of its Intelligence Hotline Telephone number – 225-6687.

The Commissioner-General further stated that the GRA will continue to build on the initiatives implemented to address the issues and to develop new plans and strategies to curb the illicit trade of goods via the Guyana/Suriname border.

The Guyana Revenue Authority continues to work with its counterparts in Suriname to exchange information on matters of mutual interest and to cooperate in a number of law enforcement initiatives to improve compliance with tax laws and to increase collection of revenues due and payable.