Over 120 firearms seized by cops this year

For the year so far, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) seized a total of 128 firearms, reflecting an increase in firearm seizures for the period January 1, to November 13, 2023 when compared to the 68 firearms taken off the streets for the same period last year.

This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who on Wednesday spoke about the Force’s annual Christmas policing plan.

According to Blanhum, Region 4A, which stretches from Industry, East Coast Demerara to Agricola, East Bank Demerara, accounts for the largest amount of firearm seizures.

Thirty-six firearms were confiscated in Region 4A followed by 17 in Region Seven.

Out of the seized firearms, Blanhum said 77 were pistols, 30 shotguns, 17 revolvers, three rifles and one sub-machine.

“The Guyana Police Force continues to be proactive in combating firearm related matters by aggressively cracking down on illegal networks that supply guns to criminals,” Blanhum said.

He said based on investigations, 29 of the firearms originated from the United States of America.

Other countries of origin include 26 from Brazil, Austria, Italy, Russia, Belgium and Germany.

“Due to our enhanced cooperation, I am happy to report that the Guyana Police Force now has access to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and firearms database in order to conduct traces of illegal firearms,” Blanhum said.

And to enhance its capability, several investigators recently benefitted from firearm-related training.