Two months after Police Commander of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Keithon King was busted with smuggled liquor in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), he will be replaced by a new Commander.
In a statement on Sunday, Police said King will be replaced by Superintendent Karl Wilson and that King is currently ensuring a smooth hand over of duties to the incoming Commander, which will aid in his success in his new command post.
“As the Guyana Police Force continues to restructure to effectively carry out its mandate of service and protection to the people of Guyana, relocation of key personnel is a necessary requirement,” the statement further related.
Superintendent Wilson once served as the Deputy Commander of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and Deputy Commander for Region Four B (East Bank Demerara) and as Sub-Divisional Officer for various Regions.
In December of last year, Commander King and two other ranks were busted with a quantity of smuggled rum after he left his district in the Police pick-up and was heading to Georgetown.
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officers had received a tip-off about smuggling activities and intercepted the pick-up.
The vehicle was searched and 38 cartons – of which 30 were Black Stone Whisky and the remaining cases were cologne – were found. Following the incident, King had offered to pay the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) the taxes for the commodities, but it is still unclear whether GRA has accepted the offer made by the commander. Despite the incident, the Commander and the two ranks remain on duty.
