Customs Officers from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Thursday intercepted a package containing US$50,000 in counterfeit United States currency at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri.
In a statement, the GRA said the package, discovered during routine checks at a popular cargo bond, contained 500 replicas of US$100 bills suspected to be imitation currency. The notes bore all the standard trademarks of genuine bills, along with additional suspicious markings.
The package was immediately seized, and law enforcement is now working to locate the consignee to assist with the ongoing investigation.
According to the GRA, “The Second Schedule Part II of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 restricts goods which bear a design in imitation of any currency or bank notes or coin in common use in Guyana or elsewhere unless with the approval of the Commissioner-General.”
The agency further noted, “The relevant Authorities both in Guyana and overseas were notified for further investigations in keeping with the provisions of the Customs and Anti-Money Laundering Acts, and investigations are ongoing.”
The GRA also warned of an alarming trend involving the smuggling of counterfeit money, gold, arms, narcotics, and other illicit goods through Guyana’s ports, and reiterated that individuals engaged in such illegal activities will face severe consequences.
