Iva Wharton
Two Brazilian nationals have been taken into custody in connection with an alleged illegal gold smuggling attempt following a major intelligence-led operation conducted by the joint services.
According to a statement released by the Corporation Communications Unit (CCU) of the Guyana Police Force, the operation which was led by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) saw the two Albina Filho Alves Vieira-42 and Erizangela Regia De Olivera – 39 being detained and officers seizing a large quantity of gold and more than GYD 26 million ($26 Million) in cash.
Vieira according to the statement is a salesman while De Olivera is said to be a clothing vendor. They are both from the border community of Boa Vista.
Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh said the officers were able to disrupt the smuggling operation before the gold was moved across the border.
Karimbaksh said the operation should be seen as a warning to other individuals or groups engaged in such illicit activities.
The CCU said this latest crackdown is similar to an operation last year at the Ramada Princess Hotel where three Chinese nationals were arrested in connection to gold smuggling.
According to the Police, $50 million in cash, an illegal firearm and a money-counting machine were found during that operation.
The police said the investigation is continuing with a view of prosecution.