Station Sgt in hotwater as guns/ammo missing

April 19 2026

(Pictured- Sargeant Hitbarran- Cove and John Police Station Sargeant/ Officer in Charge)

The Guyana Police Force has launched an investigation into a serious security breach at the Cove and John Police Station, East Coast Demerara, where several firearms and ammunition have been reported missing from police custody.

According to a statement issued by the Force, a total of seven firearms—comprising four 9mm pistols and three .32 pistols—along with 68 rounds of ammunition, were discovered missing on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from the station’s arms room within Regional Police Division 4C.

Preliminary enquiries indicate that the discovery was made during routine checks, followed by an audit of exhibits and firearms lodged at the station. Despite further searches, the items could not be located.

Information reaching this publication suggests that the missing weapons include both firearms lodged by civilians earlier this year and those held as exhibits in ongoing and concluded criminal matters. The weapons were reportedly stored at the station since February, with documentation prepared for their transfer to the Tactical Services Unit in Georgetown.

The issue is said to have first arisen during a routine station handover, when at least two firearms were initially found to be missing. A subsequent audit revealed a wider discrepancy, significantly increasing the number of unaccounted weapons and raising concerns about evidence management and internal controls.

In addition to the confirmed missing firearms and ammunition, there are allegations that counterfeit currency—both Guyana and United States denominations—previously held as evidence at the station may also be unaccounted for. However, this has not been officially confirmed by the Guyana Police Force.

The matter has since been reported through the established chain of command, and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched a full investigation. Several statements have already been obtained, and relevant records are being examined as part of the probe.

A Sergeant attached to the station has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody as investigations continue. It is alleged that the officer may have altered security arrangements at the station’s strong room, where the firearms and exhibits were stored.

Investigators are working to determine whether the breach resulted from criminal activity, negligence, or systemic lapses within the division.

The Guyana Police Force has assured the public that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness and that all necessary measures are being taken to recover the missing items and ensure accountability.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.