Surinamese law enforcement confirmed 13 in custody

Pirate massacre

…but Justice Minister says 30 arrested

In light of the recent arrest of notorious criminal “Crackhead”, who was wanted by Surinamese law enforcement for the recent deadly pirate attacks, the Police have confirmed that a total of 13 persons are in custody.

However, at a joint press conference on Monday in Suriname, that country’s Justice and Police Minister, Stuart Faith reported that 30 persons have been arrested.
The arrests, he noted, were made on water and on land.
Meanwhile, Surinamese Defence Minister Ronni Benschop assured that in a week’s time the fishermen could safely return to work at sea.
The authorities have not ascertained the motives for the attack, but there are suspicions that it was retaliation for the murder of a captain.
The main suspect, “Crackhead”, was reportedly spotted in the boat that attacked the fishermen between May 3 and May 5 in the Wia Wiabank, Suriname.
Guyana Times understands that a boat owner who reported the robbery to the Police described the men he recognised during the brutal attack on the fishermen.
He reportedly told the Police that “Dick”, “Bolo”, “Crackhead”, “Sanbad” and another man he did not know carried out the attack. The owner also told officials that the suspects were all Guyanese.
News coming out of Suriname also stated that the Coast Guard has also brought in a boat and suspects and handed them over to the Police. Upon inspection of the boat, it appeared that the crew could not produce a permit.
The people on board also had no identification papers.
Fifteen fishermen are still missing. Three bodies have been recovered and five people have survived the attacks.
On Sunday, Guyana’s Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan led a team to the neighbouring country where he had the opportunity to meet with the relatives of the missing men. During his visit, Ramjattan recognised the need for an improved coastguard warning system and information sharing.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who led a team to Suriname, described the attacks as acts of terrorism, and called upon the Governments of Guyana and Suriname to work together in addressing the horrific incidents. He urged that the full force of the law be used to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Two Saturdays ago, four boats were attacked by a group of men who brutalised the occupants then threw them overboard. Two days later, another boat was attacked, and the captain was killed. The crew is still missing.
Those identified as missing include: Ramesh Sanchara, Ganesh Persaud, Vickey Persaud, Glenroy Jones, Bharat Heralall, Ralph Anthony, and Tiaknauth Mohabir. The bodies that were recovered are yet to be positively identified.