More than 180 illegal firearms were seized by local law enforcement officials during 2024 and according to the Minister of Home Affairs, investigations have revealed that the weapons are not manufactured here in Guyana.
“We have had over, I think 180 firearms seized over last year. They are not made in Guyana. We barely could make a bicycle spokes.
“These firearms come from the North and the North East and are a pervasive issue in relation to criminal activities being done in the country,” Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn said.
Speaking at the ministry’s end-of-year press conference on Monday, Benn said the firearms originated from countries in the North East.
However, he said focus is still on removing illegal firearms from the streets as they continue to contribute to criminal activities.
“While we speak to the country of origin where the firearms come from we have to work with those who may have or have illegal firearms here and to up the screening at the ports in relation to firearms,” Benn said.
The figure represents a significant increase when compared to 2023 which saw the seizure of 128 firearms.
During a presentation last year, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had indicated that the countries of origin include Brazil, Austria, Italy, Russia, Belgium and Germany.
