Police seize illegal guns in Regions 8 & 10

Police have seized several illegal firearms during operations carried out in Regions Eight and Ten.

In a statement, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said its ranks discovered a .38 revolver along with two live rounds of ammunition during an operation along the Linden–Mabura Road in Region Ten (Upper Demerara–Berbice). The incident occurred on Sunday at around 17:40hrs during a mobile patrol.

“During the patrol, ranks observed a black XR motorcycle without registration number, on which a rider and a pillion rider were proceeding in a southerly direction. Upon observing the police vehicle, the motorcycle made a U-turn and proceeded in a northerly direction. The ranks immediately gave chase,” the police detailed in its statement.

During the pursuit, the pillion rider jumped off the motorcycle while it was still in motion, removed and discarded a camouflage jacket he was wearing, and ran east into thick vegetation, where he made good his escape. The ranks retrieved the discarded jacket and, upon examination, discovered the illegal firearm and ammunition. The items were taken to the Wismar Police Station, where they were lodged pending further investigation.

Meanwhile, in Region Eight (Potaro–Siparuni), ranks seized two illegal shotguns and ammunition during an operation on Monday at around 16:30 hrs. The discovery was made during a mobile ATV patrol along the Chenapou Trail.

“During the patrol, ranks observed two males walking in a westerly direction with what appeared to be shotguns on their shoulders. Upon observing the police, the men behaved suspiciously and attempted to conceal the weapons,” police stated.

The individuals were ordered to stop but attempted to flee. They were nevertheless apprehended, during which a 16-gauge shotgun was found in the possession of an 18-year-old male farmer, and a 20-gauge shotgun was found in the possession of a 54-year-old male farmer, both residents of Bashville Village, North Pakaraimas.

Further searches resulted in the discovery of five cartridges in the possession of the 54-year-old and four cartridges in the possession of the 18-year-old. Police said that upon enquiry, both men stated they were not holders of firearm licences. As a result, they were arrested and escorted to the Kato Police Station, where they were placed into custody. The suspected firearms and ammunition were lodged pending further investigation.