Police seize firearm, ammo and ganja during patrol in Region Seven

Police in Region Seven have seized a suspected firearm, ammunition and cannabis following an intelligence-led riverine patrol in the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers on Saturday.

The operation, conducted around 08:45 hrs near Bamford Point, Essequibo River, resulted in the interception of a wooden vessel. A search of the boat uncovered a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with two magazines containing eleven .45 calibre live rounds and five 12-gauge cartridges.

The operator of the vessel, a 35-year-old gold miner from Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, was arrested. He and the seized items were taken to the Bartica Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence, amounting to 28.90 grammes. The narcotics and ammunition were lodged as police continued their investigation.

Later on Saturday, police escorted the suspect to his mining camp at Ramsheep Backdam, Mazaruni River. A search was carried out, during which ranks recovered a suspected Glock 9mm pistol fitted with a magazine.

The suspected firearm and magazine were lodged, and the miner remains in custody as investigations continue.