Sophia taxi driver nabbed with unlicensed pistol, ammunition in CANU operation

A 22-year-old taxi driver of Sophia is in police custody after he was caught with an unlicensed firearm and matching rounds of ammunition during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Friday.

The operation, which took place around 14:00 hrs in Sophia ‘D’ Field, involved an Intelligence Officer and other CANU ranks who were patrolling the area when they observed a white Toyota Allion motor car, bearing registration number PAG 3549, parked on the western side of the access road. The vehicle was locked and unoccupied, but a group of men were seen “liming” nearby.

Upon inquiry, 22-year-old Tyrese Blair, a taxi driver of Sophia, identified himself as the owner of the car. A search of his person revealed nothing illegal, but when he opened the vehicle for inspection, ranks discovered a black Beretta 9mm pistol concealed under the gear shift booth between the two front seats. The weapon, which carried no serial number, was fitted with a magazine containing five live 9mm rounds.

When asked if he was a licensed firearm holder, Blair admitted that he was not. He was immediately told of the offences committed, arrested, and taken to the Turkeyen Police Station. Both the car and the firearm with ammunition were lodged as evidence.

Blair remains in custody as investigations continue.