Guyana: Businessman Turns Himself In as Police Continue Probe into 23 AK-47 Seizure

Businessman Randy Jagdeo surrendered to police on Sunday, following a wanted bulletin issued by the Guyana Police Force in connection with the discovery of 23 AK-47 rifles at Schoonard, West Bank Demerara, last Thursday. Jagdeo, who was accompanied by his attorney, reported to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters and is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

Authorities are also searching for Orlando Gabriel, who is wanted in connection with the same case. The police have encouraged anyone with information regarding Gabriel’s whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.

The investigation commenced after officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit intercepted a vehicle on the West Bank of Demerara, where they discovered 23 AK-47 rifles along with a matching quantity of ammunition. It has been reported that the firearms are believed to have been manufactured in the United States. While one rifle retained its serial number, the serial numbers on the remaining 22 rifles had been removed. The firearms are currently undergoing forensic examination.

This incident marks the second significant seizure of AK-47 rifles in Guyana within a three-week period. On May 22, police recovered ten AK-47 rifles along the No. 11 Village Public Road in Berbice after intercepting a Toyota Fielder. These firearms were found wrapped in plastic and cloth, and it was determined that their identifying markings had been tampered with.

The earlier investigation led to the arrest and charging of a taxi driver, and wanted bulletins were later issued for Gregory Persaud and Antonio Alonzo Lawrie. Both individuals subsequently surrendered and were charged, with Persaud facing an additional charge of illegal possession of firearms. They have since been remanded to prison. Investigations into the latest firearms seizure are ongoing.

Source: snn.gy