Businessman nabbed with illegal gun; security guard faces firearm charges

An intelligence-led operation at about 07:50h on Tuesday by officers from Regional Divisions 4A and 4B led to the arrest of a businessman at Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Reports are that the motorcar, PAH 6733, was observed parked in front of Lot 97 Nandy Park with 47-year-old Freeman Fordyce, a businessman residing at the location, seated in the driver’s seat. Officers requested to search the vehicle for arms, ammunition, and drugs. During the search, a 9mm pistol and a magazine containing five 9mm rounds were found in the glove compartment. Fordyce indicated that he did not hold a firearm licence. Police said that he was informed of the offences and arrested. Fordyce was taken to the Providence Police Station, where the firearm was dusted for fingerprints, and he remains in custody assisting with the investigation.

Discharging loaded firearm
In a separate case, 25-year-old Devon Boucher, a security guard of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who was arrested last Friday by a Detective Sergeant from Cove and John Police Station, was charged on Tuesday with discharging a loaded firearm with intent, contrary to Section 55(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. Boucher is accused of allegedly firing a weapon at Andrew Smith, known as “Cats”, on September 8, at Hand-en-Veldt, Mahaica, ECD. He appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court, pleaded not guilty, and was granted bail in the sum of $175,000.
The case has been adjourned to October 31.