Minibus driver, passengers including teens arrested after firearm found

…barber remanded to prison on separate gun charge

A routine police patrol on Sunday evening led to the discovery of an unlicensed firearm in a minibus, resulting in the arrest of the driver and all passengers on board.
Reports are that at about 18:00h, police ranks received intelligence that led them to Chanta Creek on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. There, they intercepted a minibus, BAG 4708, driven by a 34-year-old man of Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Among several bags located behind the driver’s seat, ranks discovered a one-strap Nike shoulder bag containing a Glock 9mm pistol and an empty magazine.
When questioned about the bag, the driver denied ownership leading Police to questioned all passengers, including 40-year-old security guard of Timehri; a 36-year-old supervisor of Pearl, EBD; a 32-year-old housewife of Hyde Park, Timehri, and 32-year-old supervisor, who is employed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Also questioned were 42-year-old foreman of Timehri; 37-year-old customer service representative of Farm, EBD; a 37-year-old housewife of Friendship, EBD, 26-year-old housewife of Eccles, EBD and 30-year-old consultant of Middle Road, La Penitence. Additionally, a 25-year-old of Alexander Village, Georgetown, and 30-year-old block-maker of Timehri were among those interviewed, along with two 17-year-old female teenagers.

Each passenger was asked to retrieve their belongings, but none claimed ownership of the bag containing the firearm. All individuals denied knowledge of the weapon.
As a result, the driver and the passengers were informed of the offence, arrested, and transported to the Timehri Police Station, where they remain in custody as investigations continue.
Barber remanded
Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, 22-year-old barber Shakeem David of 4th Street, Alberttown, Georgetown was arrested on Friday last and charged on Monday with two counts of discharging a loaded firearm with intent.
David appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where he pleaded not guilty. Bail was denied, and the matter has been adjourned to later in April.