Essequibo businessman arrested for gold smuggling; illegal guns, cash seized

In a continued effort to clamp down on gold smuggling and related illicit activities, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Monday, April 7, 2025 conducted a joint intelligence-led operation at the premises of Essequibo businessman/gold miner Ramanand Ganesh called Goldman of Middlesex Essequibo Coast, which resulted in the seizure of two illegal firearms and a large quantity of cash.

During the targeted operation, SOCU apprehended Ramanand Ganesh and his wife Vallina Ganesh who are now in custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations in relation to gold smuggling and money laundering.

In a statement on the operation, SOCU said this latest action forms part of a broader national strategy to dismantle criminal networks engaged in gold smuggling and other forms of organised crime.