Herstelling Man Arrested For Illegal AK-47 Rifle and Ammo

A 42-year-old businessman from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, was arrested on Sunday after police discovered an illegal AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition during a search of his home. The businessman, identified as Weston Pickering, is now in custody as investigations continue.

According to a police report, the search took place around 6:25 PM when an Assistant Superintendent, leading a team from the Providence Police Station, executed an intelligence-led operation at Pickering’s residence located at Lot 2 Somerset Court Housing Scheme, Herstelling. The two-storey property is situated within a well-fenced yard.

Upon arrival, police informed Pickering of their intent to search for arms, ammunition, and drugs, to which he consented. During the search, officers found an AK-47 rifle wrapped in a brown towel inside a washing machine on the lower flat of the house. When asked, Pickering confirmed that he did not have a firearm license and remained silent when cautioned about the illegal possession.

Additionally, police discovered 29 live rounds of ammunition inside a magazine and 30 more rounds inside a pair of black-and-white socks wrapped in the towel. Six live 9mm rounds were also found in a bedroom on the upper flat of the house.

Further inspection of the property led to the discovery of a significant amount of cash in various currencies. The following amounts were found in a brown suitcase:

• $11,312 CAD
• $1,583 USD
• 10 Chinese Yuan
• $5,120 TTD
• $70 BBD
• $50 JMD
• £3,405 GBP
• 120 Euros
• $480,000 GYD

Pickering was arrested, and the firearm, ammunition, and cash were taken to the Providence Police Station. The money was counted in Pickering’s presence, marked, and sealed, while the firearm and ammunition were lodged as evidence.

Pickering remains in police custody as investigations into the matter continue.