23 AK-47 rifles seizure – Businessman surrenders hours after wanted bulletin issued

Hours after police issued a wanted bulletin for local businessman Randy Jagdeo on Sunday in connection with the seizure of some 23 AK-47 assault rifles and more than 500 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, he surrendered to police in company of his lawyer. On Sunday morning the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for Jagdeo and Orlando Gabriel, stating that they “are wanted for questioning in connection with the offence of Unlawful Possession of Firearms.”

Jagdeo remains in custody as investigations continue as police continue their search for Gabriel. The wanted bulletins came days after the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) seized 23 AK-47 assault rifles and more than 500 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition on June 11 at Schoonard, West Bank Demerara (WBD), Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that the one suspect has been arrested in connection with the cache of arms and ammunition. “Two male suspects managed to escape. However, the third suspect, in his bid to escape from the Officers, was apprehended and placed in custody,” the Crime Chief related. Blanhum further indicated that the weapons seized are being examined by firearm experts from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters’ Crime Laboratory. The Crime Chief went on to note that, “I can confirm that the weapons were manufactured in the USA… The serial numbers for two of them remained intact. However, the other 21 rifles, the serial numbers were obliterated.” Meanwhile, this newspaper was told that the suspect in custody is a Venezuelan national of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD). He is being questioned by detectives in relation to the cache find. This latest high-powered weapon seizure comes on the heels of the recent discovery of 10 AK-47 assault rifles in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), on May 23. Based on reports last month, the Police were executing a stop-and-search exercise in the vicinity of the Berbice River Bridge Access Road when they attempted to stop a black Toyota Fielder wagon bearing registration number HC 9018, but the vehicle fled the scene.

Acting on information received afterwards, investigators conducted a search along the Number 11 Village Public Road, East Coast Berbice (ECB), where the 10 rifles were allegedly found wrapped in plastic and cloth. Police said the weapons bore markings consistent with 7.62x39mm AK-47 rifles. Investigators also reported that sections of the firearms appeared to have been tampered with, leading to suspicions that efforts were made to obscure the serial numbers. Further investigations later led Police to 33-year-old Stephen Rajah, a taxi driver of Back Street, Goed Fortuin Village, WBD, who was intercepted at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), while allegedly driving the same Toyota Fielder wagon identified during the operation. He has been charged and remanded to prison.
Police have also linked a second vehicle, a white Toyota RunX bearing registration number PSS 4272, to the investigation. The car was later discovered abandoned at Second Street, Savannah Park, New Amsterdam. Investigators suspect the vehicle may also have been used to transport the weapons. Meanwhile, Police have issued a wanted bulletin for two more suspects – Gregory Persaud and Antonio Alonzo Lawrie, who subsequently surrendered. Earlier this week, investigators received legal advice to institute charges against the duo. Based on reports received, the Police Legal Advisor recommended that Persaud be charged with the offence of possession of firearms, while both he and Lawrie will be charged with the offence of conspiracy to commit a felony. Only last Saturday, following the arrest of Persaud and Lawrie, the Police conducted a further search at Farm, EBD which led to the discovery of one extended magazine for a 9mm firearm and the arrest of a 21-year-old wash bay attendant. Another suspect, Ryan Singh from Parika Outfall Seadam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), for whom a wanted bulletin was also issued, is yet to be apprehended. Anyone with information that may lead to the whereabouts, or apprehension of these individuals is asked to contact the nearest police station or the CID on the numbers provided – 911, 227-1611, 268-2328/2682329, 226-3411, 225-8196 and 227-1159.