Over 180 firearms “not made in Guyana” seized during 2024 – Benn

As law enforcement officials across the country continue to crack down on criminal activity, over 180 illegal firearms were confiscated by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) last year.
This was revealed by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Monday during the Ministry’s End-of-Year press conference.

“We have had I think over 180 firearms seized last year. They’re not made in Guyana. We barely could make a bicycle spoke but these firearms come from the north and the northeast and are a pervasive issue in relation to criminal activities being done in the country.”
While majority of these firearms are produced internationally, Minister Benn noted that stakeholders must ramp up inspection exercises within the country in a bid to crack down on illegal firearm distributors. He added that increased screening must also be done at all ports of entry.
“But while we speak to the countries of origin where the firearms come from, we have to work with those who may have illegal firearms here or have illegal firearms here and to up the screening at the ports, the screening at the port in relation to what comes in relation to firearms.”
At a press conference back in November 2024, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum disclosed that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) seized 162 firearms from January 1 to November 11, 2024. It was further revealed that these weapons originated mostly from the United States (US) as well as from Brazil and Venezuela among other countries in Europe and Asia.

Additionally, Minister Benn revealed that according to data analysed by the GPF, there’s a high level of dysfunctionality in some communities. He added that in most cases the younger population are the main ones who commit crimes. In this regard the Minister noted that the Police force must work with these communities in a bid to reduce criminal activity
“There are some persons who are completely invested in criminal activities in a multifaceted way. So, this may not only relate to drugs but it could also be related to trafficking in persons, firearms trafficking, smuggling of gold and mercury and all other things, trafficking in wildlife.”
The Home Affairs Minister said, “But many of these issues are related to much younger people, and we have to work at the level of our communities. The outreaches we do, particularly the police force and fire service and even ourselves in relation to bringing support to the communities. Pointing out alternatives for young persons, young men particularly.”