Police seize eight illegal firearms from several security guards

Police are investigating the discovery of several firearms and ammunition following an intelligence-led operation conducted on Tuesday at several locations, including a supermarket and a shopping mall in Sophia, Greater Georgetown and a supermarket in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

During the operation, ranks contacted several security guards employed with a private security service who were on duty at the respective locations. One security guard, a 31-year-old male of Sophia, who was on duty at a supermarket in Sophia, was found in possession of an airsoft rifle and was unable to produce a permit.

At another location, a 34-year-old male of ‘B’ Field, Sophia, who was on duty at a shopping mall in Sophia, was found armed with a 12-gauge shotgun containing two live cartridges. Checks revealed that the serial number was filed off and no licence or precept was produced.

Further searches conducted at a third location resulted in the discovery of an airsoft rifle in the vicinity of a guard hut. The security guard at that location, a 38-year-old male of Cummings Park, who was on duty at a supermarket in Lusignan, stated that the firearm was issued at the commencement of his tour of duty.

Subsequent enquiries led ranks to contact the supervisor and owner of the security service, a 40-year-old male of Industry, East Coast Demerara. A search conducted on his motor vehicle revealed five airsoft firearms, comprising three airsoft pistols and two airsoft rifles. He was unable to produce permits or licences for the firearms.

In total, eight firearms were recovered, along with two rounds of ammunition. All firearms and ammunition were processed and lodged pending further investigation. The suspects were taken into police custody and are assisting with the investigation.