The shotguns and ammo that police found on Saturday
Two farmers were arrested on Saturday morning in the North-West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini) after police found two unlicensed shotguns with matching ammunition at their respective properties – weapons which both suspects said were used for “protection and hunting”.
According to Police, at about 06:00h on Saturday, Commander of Regional Division #1, Superintendent Krishna Ramana, led a team of Police ranks to the home of Guy Wells, a 28-year-old farmer of Hotoquai Village, NWD, to conduct a search following information received that he had in his possession illegal firearms and substances. The search was conducted but no evidence of illegal substances or firearms was found at Wells’ residence.
However, one of the detectives proceeded to search the suspect’s farmland, which is located a short distance from his home. In the presence of Wells, the Police discovered a single-barrel shotgun, which contained a live cartridge, hidden in some bushes. Additionally, Police found a black ‘fanny pack’ containing three live cartridges and two spent cartridge shells.
Wells was asked if he held a licence for the firearm, to which he replied, “No.”
According to Police, he was informed of the offences committed which are possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
Police said that Wells responded, “Officer, I use this for my personal protection and for hunting.” He was subsequently arrested and placed in custody.
Based on further information received, ranks proceeded to the home of Herbert Williams, a 36-year-old farmer from Hotoquai Village, NWD. A search conducted at his residence did not yield any evidence of illegal substances or firearms. However, the Police conducted a search on his farm, also in his presence, and found a single-barrel shotgun.
Williams was asked if he held a licence for the firearm, and he too replied, “No.”
Williams disclosed that he had purchased the firearm for $10,000 from a man in Yarakita Village, NWD, a few years ago and used it for his protection and hunting.
Herbert Williams was then arrested. Both Guy Wells and Herbert Williams were escorted to the Mabaruma Police Station, along with the firearms and cartridges.
Both men remain in custody pending charges.
