Venezuelan charged with possession of 23 AK-47 rifles

A 27-year-old Venezuelan national has been charged with possession of firearm without licence and possession of ammunition without licence, contrary to Section 16(2)(a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 16:05. Jonathan David Gans, a construction worker of Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was arrested on June 11, in connection with the alleged possession of 23 AK-47 assault rifles and more than 500 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition without a licence. The alleged offence occurred the same day at Schoonard, West Bank Demerara (WBD). He appeared before Magistrate Rondell Weever at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Monday where the charges were read to him and he pleaded not guilty. He was remanded to prison and the case was adjourned to July 14. Meanwhile, on Sunday businessman Randy Jagdeo surrendered to police after a wanted bulletin was issued in connection with the same seizure of firearms and ammunition.

Jagdeo and another man, Orlando Gabriel, were wanted for questioning in relation to the offence of unlawful possession of firearms. Jagdeo is currently in custody as investigations continue, while police continue their search for Gabriel. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had confirmed that Gans was arrested in connection with the cache, while two others allegedly escaped during the operation. He also noted that the seized weapons are being examined by firearm experts at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Crime Laboratory. According to Blanhum, the weapons were manufactured in the United States (US), with serial numbers on two rifles intact, while 21 others had obliterated serial numbers. This latest high-powered weapon seizure comes on the heels of the recent discovery of 10 AK-47 assault rifles in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), on May 23. Based on reports last month, the Police were executing a stop-and-search exercise in the vicinity of the Berbice River Bridge Access Road when they attempted to stop a black Toyota Fielder wagon bearing registration number HC 9018, but the vehicle fled the scene. Acting on information received afterwards, investigators conducted a search along the Number 11 Village Public Road, East Coast Berbice (ECB), where the 10 rifles were found wrapped in plastic and cloth. Investigators also reported that sections of the firearms appeared to have been tampered with, leading to suspicions that efforts were made to obscure the serial numbers. Further investigations later led Police to 33-year-old Stephen Rajah, a taxi driver of Back Street, Goed Fortuin Village, WBD, who was intercepted at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), while allegedly driving the same Toyota Fielder wagon identified during the operation. He has been charged and remanded to prison.
Police have also linked a second vehicle, a white Toyota RunX bearing registration number PSS 4272, to the investigation. The car was later discovered abandoned at Second Street, Savannah Park, New Amsterdam. Investigators suspect the vehicle may also have been used to transport the weapons. Meanwhile, Police have issued a wanted bulletin for two more suspects – Gregory Persaud and Antonio Alonzo Lawrie, who subsequently surrendered. Earlier this week, investigators received legal advice to institute charges against the duo. Based on reports received, the Police Legal Advisor recommended that Persaud be charged with the offence of possession of firearms, while both he and Lawrie will be charged with the offence of conspiracy to commit a felony. Only last Saturday, following the arrest of Persaud and Lawrie, the Police conducted a further search at Farm, EBD which led to the discovery of one extended magazine for a 9mm firearm and the arrest of a 21-year-old wash bay attendant. Another suspect, Ryan Singh from Parika Outfall Seadam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), for whom a wanted bulletin was also issued, is yet to be apprehended. Anyone with information that may lead to the whereabouts, or apprehension of these individuals is asked to contact the nearest police station or the CID on the numbers provided – 911, 227-1611, 268-2328/2682329, 226-3411, 225-8196 and 227-1159.