THE Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) yesterday, following an incident at its premises in which fuel marker concentrate was stolen, said in a press statement that at approximately 3:44h, four masked persons entered the GEA compound, subdued the security guards with handguns, cut the locks on one of the four 20 foot containers in the compound, and left with two cans of the domestic marker concentrate used to mark fuel.
It added that the perpetrators tied up the guard that was stationed at the back of the building. The group moved stealthily along the southern and western wall to the containers. Two of the perpetrators then walked across the yard and subdued the guard in the guard hut located at the front of the building, whilst the other two gained entry into the container.
The release said two 5-gallon aluminum cans containing a green-coloured marker concentrate were taken from the container.
The footage from a surveillance camera in the compound is currently being scrutinized and investigations have commenced, the release added.
All fuel dealers, vendors and the general public are warned to desist from purchasing illegal fuel. Persons are reminded that indulging in activities involving improperly marked fuel will result in a fine of $3M and imprisonment for three years. Anyone found in possession of marker or fuel marked with the stolen marker will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, GEA said.
Persons are asked to report any suspicious activities in relation to illegal fuel to the GEA Secretariat on telephone 226-0394.