THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is ramping up efforts to curb illicit trading activities, particularly involving alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, and poultry products.
Rohan Beekhoo, Comptroller of Customs, Excise and Trade Operations at GRA emphasised the need for increased collaboration between customs, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to manage risks and penalties associated with these illegal activities.
At the recently held Illicit Trade Seminar hosted by the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Beekhoo highlighted the growing concern over the smuggling of high-risk items. He noted that GRA officers have been seizing a range of contraband items, with alcohol, cigarettes, and chicken being the most common.

“Over the past few years, our activities have increased. Almost every month, seizures are being made and these are in the form of the high-risk goods… alcohol, beers, tobacco, cigarettes, chicken, among other items,” Beekhoo explained.
The Comptroller revealed that the penalties for these offences are severe, often with fines reaching up to three times the street value of the seized goods. According to him, this is a measure intended to deter individuals from engaging in such illegal activities.
Beekhoo noted that the fight against illicit trade is about enforcement and that the GRA has been getting a lot of help in that regard from local and international partners. “We partner with local and international law enforcement agencies. We have been getting a lot of co-operation from the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit, the Guyana Police Force, the army and other agencies.”

The fight against illicit trade is not just about enforcement; it also involves strengthening the internal capabilities of the GRA. Beekhoo outlined ongoing efforts to recruit and train staff, particularly in the area of risk management and customs brokerage.
He emphasised that training for custom brokers is crucial because they will be better able to advise their clients on the classification and management of goods.
One significant development has been the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles in the clearance process. “We have removed the red tape from the clearance of goods. At one time, I think it used to be one month. We have improved that significantly to within one to three weeks.”
New smuggling trends have been emerging, posing additional challenges for the GRA.

Beekhoo pointed to the discovery of gold being disguised as jewellery as one of the innovative methods being used to evade customs checks. “There are new trends in the form of gold being disguised as jewellery. So, smuggling from the regular, traditional consumables, goods, vehicles, narcotics, gold and currency…. all combined together.” He said that these complex smuggling methods require equally sophisticated countermeasures. To that end, he pointed out that the GRA is investing in advanced detection technologies and expanding its intelligence capabilities.
The GRA is also calling on the private sector to play a more active role in combating illicit trade. Beekhoo stressed the importance of intelligence sharing and the need for businesses to come forward with information on potential illegal activities. “So, we would like to urge the private sector members to share the intel that you may have so that we can take action.”

To facilitate this collaboration, Beekhoo urged businesses to apply for the Trusted Trader status. This programme, designed to streamline the customs process for compliant businesses, reduces the number of checks and documentation required for these companies.
The GRA official is optimistic that with continued collaboration and the support of the business community, Guyana can significantly reduce the incidence of illicit trade.