Getting guns, drugs off streets is priority – ECD Commander

For the year thus far, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Division 4C (ECD) have seized 11 illegal firearms and 10kg of cannabis during their routine operations.

This was revealed by Regional Commander Khali Pareshram, who stated that getting rid of guns and drugs in the streets remains a priority for the Force. So far, he noted, several persons have been charged and convicted, while some court matters are still pending.
“With all of our operations, we are guided by the laws of Guyana, and we will continue to conduct our operations by that guidance”, he said.
In 2021, the Guyana Police Force removed 71 illegal firearms from the streets of Guyana. These included 36 pistols, 18 revolvers and 17 shotguns. 10 were found by ranks during anti-crime operations, while 61 were seized from individuals.
These illegal weapons were found in all regions of the country except Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), with the majority, 28, being found in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
Last November, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall was tasked with working on an amendment to the country’s law to ensure there is a higher penalty in place for persons who unlawfully possess firearms.
The Head of State had also noted that Government would grant a period of amnesty for persons in possession of illegal firearms, in order to facilitate such persons turning those weapons over to the Police. But when that period expires and the amended law comes into play, President Ali warned, those individuals would face stiffer penalties.
The most recent firearm discovery on the ECD was made a few weeks ago, and a man has been charged after he was found with an illegal firearm. Collin Campbell, 39, a security guard of Lot 35 Middle Walk, Ann’s Grove, ECD, has been charged and remanded to prison for the offence of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.