Two arrested after firearm seizures on East Coast

January 16 2025

Police are investigating two separate firearm and ammunition seizures carried out during intelligence-led operations on Thursday night along the East Coast of Demerara.

The first incident occurred at about 19:30 hrs in Plaisance, where police ranks on motorcycle patrol went to a supermarket as part of an intelligence-driven exercise. While there, the ranks observed a security guard on duty with what appeared to be a firearm tucked into the front waistband of his pants.

The individual was approached and questioned, during which a 9mm pistol and a magazine containing three live 9mm rounds were found in his possession. Upon further enquiry, the man stated that he was not the holder of a firearm licence or precept.

The suspect, a 37-year-old security guard of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was escorted to the Sparendaam Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were processed and lodged pending further investigations. He remains in police custody.

In a separate operation conducted around the same time at a supermarket in Good Hope, police ranks on mobile patrol made contact with another security guard who was observed in possession of a shotgun.

The man was questioned, and a 12-gauge shotgun along with five live 12-gauge cartridges were found in his possession. Investigations revealed that he was also not in possession of a firearm licence or precept.

The suspect, a 24-year-old male of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was arrested and escorted to the Vigilance Police Station. The firearm and ammunition were processed and lodged as investigations continue.

Police have indicated that investigations into both incidents are ongoing.