Duo busted with gun, ammo during ‘stop and search’ exercise

Two men were taken into custody following the discovery of a firearm, ammunition, and handcuffs during a ‘stop and search’ exercise along the Eccles Access Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Friday evening.
Police stated that while conducting the exercise, ranks intercepted a white Toyota Allion motorcar bearing registration number PXX 9496. At the time, two men were in the vehicle.

“In the driver’s seat was Shakia Chase, a 39-year-old Taxi driver from Farm, East Bank Demerara; and in the front passenger seat was Loris House, a 34-year-old Gold Miner from South Georgetown, who had a black haversack on his lap and was acting suspiciously,” police stated.

However, ranks informed both the driver and passenger that they had reason to believe that they were in possession of arms, ammunition, and drugs and would like to carry out a search on their person and vehicle. The two men reportedly agreed.

Police stated that a search was carried out on the driver and the car during which two pairs of handcuffs and one pair of footcuffs were found.
Chase, when questioned about the items found, related that the car did not belong to him. He was told of being ‘in possession of military stores’, arrested, cautioned and he remained silent.

In addition, the ranks then conducted a search on a black haversack that House was carrying. A black and silver .357 Magum firearm inside, along with six .38 rounds of ammunition were found inside the bag.

Further, US$99 was also found in the haversack. House, while being cautioned reportedly admitted ownership of the firearm by saying, “Is me gun.”
The men remain in custody pending charges.