Two Brazilian nationals arrested in Lethem with firearms

In an operation on Thursday, officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) apprehended two Brazilian nationals during a routine patrol in the township of Lethem, Region Nine.

The incident occurred around 12:45 hrs in front of the Takatu Hotel.

Acting on reliable information, the officers intercepted a white vehicle bearing Brazilian number plates (QUM 2E64) parked outside the hotel.

Inside the vehicle, they found 36-year-old Paulo Cezar Buckley Da Silva, a laborer from Boa Vista, Brazil, in the driver’s seat, while 23-year-old Lorissa Soares Garcia Rodrigues, a hairdresser also from Boa Vista, was seated in the back.

Upon approaching the vehicle, the officers identified themselves and informed the occupants of suspicions regarding illegal items.

While Paulo refrained from responding, both he and Lorissa exited the vehicle to facilitate a search. No illegal items were found on Paulo, but a subsequent search of the vehicle yielded troubling discoveries: a black .38 Special revolver without ammunition was located under the driver’s seat, and a green suspected rifle was found beneath the back passenger seat.

When questioned about firearm licenses, both suspects indicated they did not possess any. They were promptly arrested and taken to the Lethem Police Station for further questioning.

A female officer conducted a search of Lorissa, which revealed no illegal items.

During the questioning, conducted with the assistance of a police translator, Paulo claimed he had brought the firearms from Brazil with the intention of selling them in Lethem.

The firearms were photographed, marked, and sealed as evidence, and the vehicle was also secured.

The two suspects remain in custody as investigations continue into the origins and intended use of the firearms.