4 teens among 5 arrested after guns, ammo seized by cops

Two separate law enforcement operations on Saturday have resulted in the discovery of a firearm and ammunition in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and 4 ‘C’, East Coast Demerara (ECD), with five men now in custody. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) said both incidents stemmed from routine mobile patrols and targeted enforcement exercises conducted along the Essequibo Coast and East Coast Demerara corridors in the first incident, ranks in Regional Division Two made a firearm discovery at Lima Backdam at about 13:45h during a mobile patrol exercise.
Preliminary investigations indicate that officers were patrolling the area when they heard two loud explosions, suspected to be gunshots emanating from a nearby rice field. Shortly after, ranks observed a man exiting the field carrying what appeared to be a 12-gauge single-barreled shotgun in his right hand while also holding two ducks in his left hand. The man was immediately approached and questioned by police as to whether he was a licensed firearm holder or had authorisation to hunt in the area. He reportedly admitted that he was not licensed. The suspect, a 45-year-old farmer of Bounty Hall, Essequibo Coast, was then arrested and escorted to the Anna Regina Police Station. The firearm was seized and lodged as part of the investigation. He remains in custody. Hours later, a second operation in Regional Division 4 ‘C’ led to the discovery of a firearm and ammunition along the Railway Embankment at Greenfield, ECD, at about 23:15h.
According to reports, ranks were conducting a mobile patrol when they observed a motorcar parked along the southern side of the roadway. Four males were seen inside the vehicle at the time. The occupants were identified as an 18-year-old electrician from Friends Village, an 18-year-old plumber from Ann’s Grove, another 18-year-old from Ann’s Grove, and a 17-year-old, also from Ann’s Grove, ECD.
A search was conducted in their presence, during which officers reportedly discovered four .32 rounds of ammunition concealed beneath the front passenger seat. Further search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a Taurus 9mm pistol along with one matching round of 9mm ammunition hidden under the driver’s seat.
All four occupants were immediately arrested and taken to the Cove and John Police Station along with the firearm, ammunition, and the motor vehicle, which was also lodged pending investigation. All five suspects remain in police custody.