GUYANA-Ministry vows crackdown on illegal copper, threatens scrap metal trade shutdown.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is threatening to shut down the scrap-metal trade in Guyana altogether if illegal operations continue.

The ministry said in a statement on Saturday that this would be the final step, warning licensed dealers that purchasing or handling illegally obtained copper could result in the immediate cancellation of their licenses and prosecution.

The warning follows a recent incident involving the theft, unlawful purchase and attempted movement of copper.

The persons identified in connection with the incident were not licensed scrap-metal dealers. The individual who purchased the copper, who is currently on bail, is a repeat offender involved in a similar incident earlier this year, according to the ministry. It said he is not a licensed dealer and stressed that anyone found to have violated the law must face the full force of the law.

The ministry has also placed licensed scrap-metal dealers on notice that they will not be permitted to facilitate, purchase, sell, receive or otherwise deal in illegally obtained copper.

“Any licensed dealer found engaging in such activities will face immediate cancellation of their license, in addition to prosecution where applicable,” it said.

It said it would take “decisive regulatory and enforcement action” to shut down unlawful operations and prevent the continued abuse of the scrap-metal trade.

“The destruction of public infrastructure and the theft or unlawful removal of private property will not be tolerated,” it added. “If the illegal practices within this trade continue, the ministry will not hesitate to take the necessary steps to cancel the scrap-metal trade altogether.”

The ministry said it is committed to protecting the integrity of the scrap-metal industry, ensuring compliance with Guyana’s laws and regulatory requirements, and taking action against persons operating outside the law.