Extremely reliable sources within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) confirmed with this news agency today that five officers were sent home in connection with the discovery of 11.5 tonnes of cocaine which was unearthed in a container of scrap metal on October 27, 2020, in Belgium.
This news agency understands that the images of the scanner with the drugs which were previously deleted, have since been retrieved. Senior officials at GRA have since ensured that systems are in place to prevent a recurrence. They have also ensured that mechanisms are in place to prevent access to all security agencies.
While investigations into the matter remain ongoing, Guyana Standard understands that more persons may be sent home in the process. Additionally, the GRA sources indicated that persons who would be sent home may be because of lack of confidence, collusion and incompetence. There are other individuals who remain on administrative leave while new persons are being trained to run the operations.
Guyana Standard would have reported that 41-year-old, Marlon Primo, remains wanted for questioning on the case.
Primo’s last known address is 69 Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara. He may have also resided at Norton and John Streets, and Lodge Housing Scheme.
The Brussels Times, in an article on November 5, had reported that counter-narcotics prosecutors had tracked the transatlantic journey of the drugs from Guyana, and seized it upon its arrival at the Port of Antwerp. The catch is “the largest overseas drug bust ever, worldwide,” federal prosecutors told Belgian media, estimating the street value of the drug load at €900M (US$ 1.06B or over GYD$200B).
The matter remains under investigation by local authorities, inclusive of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
