…warns GRA
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is urging Guyanese to desist from purchasing squibs and other explosives, such as firecrackers, since these are prohibited and dangerous. GRA Commissioner General, Khurshid Sattaur, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that explosives are generally imported illegally and persons found with them could be prosecuted.
He said that while the GRA has a mandate to ensure that such devices do not enter the country, third party information is needed to catch up with those who smuggle them in. Citizens may call GRA’s hotline on 227-7310.
The Guyana Defence Force is the only agency authorized to import firecrackers and other explosives, and permission must be sought from the Commissioner of Police for the importation of such items.
The enforcement arm of the GRA has an ongoing exercise aimed at monitoring the activities at ports and borders countrywide, and persons found smuggling goods into the country will be prosecuted under section 217 of the Customs Act.
The penalty stipulated is a fine three times the value of the goods, or imprisonment of one to three years.
The GRA says this penalty is also applicable to persons found selling or purchasing firecrackers, which are restricted items.