Guyana: Seized AK-47s Found to be US-Made

Twenty-three AK-47 assault rifles were seized on Thursday night at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, and it has been confirmed that these weapons were made in the United States. Deputy Police Commissioner Wendell Blanhum, who heads the Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), stated that the serial number on one of the rifles was intact, while the serial numbers on the other 22 rifles had been obliterated.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been advocating for assistance from the United States to help control the flow of weapons into the Caribbean region. In response, the US has proposed that Caribbean nations participate in a Regional Integrated Ballistic Information Network (RIBIN) aimed at detecting, tracking, and seizing firearms.

During the operation, enforcement officers intercepted a motor vehicle that contained the weapons along with a significant quantity of ammunition. Reports indicate that a total of 504 rounds of 7.62X39 ammunition were also seized during this operation. One individual was arrested in connection with the incident, while two others managed to escape.

The firearms are currently being examined by experts from the CID Headquarters’ Crime Laboratory, and the arrested suspect is undergoing questioning by detectives. The operation was a collaborative effort between the police and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

A Venezuelan man, identified as 28-year-old Jonathan Gans from Third Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara, was arrested during the operation. Additionally, three Guyanese individuals are facing legal proceedings related to the seizure of ten AK-47 assault rifles that occurred last month in Berbice.

Source: demerarawaves.com