Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has announced stringent measures to combat gold smuggling, emphasizing tougher penalties as part of the government’s crackdown on illegal activities.
Speaking at his weekly press conference at the Office of the President, Dr. Jagdeo outlined the administration’s resolve to strengthen controls over the exportation of gold and other smuggled goods.
Acknowledging the existing rigorous processes for legal gold exports, Dr. Jagdeo underscored the need for further enhancements to these protocols.
He emphasized that while Guyana has stringent regulations, the cooperation of destination countries is crucial in curbing the flow of illegally transported gold.
Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the importance of collaboration between Guyana and its international counterparts to effectively address cross-border smuggling issues.
Furthermore, Dr. Jagdeo expressed concerns over individuals bypassing legal channels despite incentives provided by the government.
He noted that these incentives, designed to encourage lawful practices, will be reassessed to ensure they effectively deter smuggling activities.
The government’s proactive stance against gold smuggling reflects its commitment to strengthening national regulations and international partnerships to combat illegal trade practices effectively.