Eight firearms found during Police operation in Sophia and Lusignan
January 15 2025
Police are investigating the discovery of eight firearms and ammunition following an intelligence-led operation carried out on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at several locations in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.
The operation, which commenced at about 4:30 p.m., targeted a number of commercial establishments, including supermarkets and a shopping mall. During the exercise, police ranks contacted several security guards employed by a private security service who were on duty at the respective locations.
At a supermarket in Sophia, a 31-year-old male security guard of Sophia was found in possession of an airsoft rifle. The guard was unable to produce a permit for the firearm.
In a separate incident at a shopping mall in Sophia, a 34-year-old male security guard of ‘B’ Field, Sophia, was discovered armed with a 12-gauge shotgun containing two live cartridges. Police checks revealed that the serial number on the weapon had been filed off, and the guard failed to produce a licence or precept for the firearm.
Further searches at another location led to the discovery of an airsoft rifle in the vicinity of a guard hut at a supermarket in Lusignan. The security guard at that location, a 38-year-old male of Cummings Park, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, stated that the firearm was issued to him at the commencement of his tour of duty.
Following these discoveries, police made contact with the supervisor and owner of the security service, a 40-year-old male of Industry, East Coast Demerara. A search of his motor vehicle resulted in the discovery of five additional airsoft firearms, including three airsoft pistols and two airsoft rifles. He was unable to produce permits or licences for any of the firearms.
In total, police recovered eight firearms—comprising one shotgun and seven airsoft weapons—along with two rounds of ammunition. All items were processed and lodged as exhibits pending further investigation.
The suspects were taken into police custody and are assisting with the investigation. Police say investigations are ongoing.
(GPF)
