Illegal guns, $18M in mercury seized by CANU

Ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) have seized illegal firearms, ammunition and a large quantity of mercury in two separate operations conducted on Sunday, as investigations continue into suspected organised criminal activity.

In the first operation, CANU officers, acting on information received, carried out an interception in the vicinity of Sheriff Street, Georgetown, where a suspect was stopped and searched. The search resulted in the discovery of one AK-47 rifle bearing serial number A1-72720-20 ROA, along with one magazine containing nineteen 7.62×39mm live rounds; one Glock 17 pistol bearing serial number LVH237, with one magazine containing seven 9mm live rounds; and one Taurus pistol bearing serial number AHD901601, with one magazine and no ammunition.
The suspect was immediately arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, along with the firearms and ammunition. During preliminary investigations, it was determined that the suspect possesses a valid firearm licence for the Glock 17 pistol only, while the other weapons remain unlicensed. In a separate operation conducted also on Sunday, CANU officers intercepted a motor vehicle in the vicinity of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six also acting on intelligence received. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several parcels of a highly toxic and strictly controlled substance, which was subsequently confirmed to be mercury. The suspect was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, and a preliminary evaluation placed the estimated street value of the seized mercury at approximately $18 million. Given the hazardous nature of the substance, the mercury was handed over to the Natural Resources Ministry for specialised processing and safe disposal. The suspect remains in Police custody, assisting investigators. CANU has confirmed that investigations are continuing in both matters, as they seek to determine whether the seizures are linked to broader criminal networks, including illegal arms trafficking and environmental crimes associated with mercury use.