A 21-year-old wash bay attendant from Farm, East Bank Demerara, has been arrested as police continue investigations into the seizure of 10 AK-47 rifles in Berbice, a case that has already led to multiple arrests and criminal charges.
The probe began with the arrest of taxi driver Stephen Raja of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, who was charged with possession of firearms after police allegedly uncovered the cache of weapons during an operation along the Berbice River Bridge Access Road.
Rajah appeared before the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Bail was refused and he was remanded to prison until June 15.
According to police, Rajah was arrested on May 22 after ranks conducting a stop-and-search exercise intercepted a black Toyota Fielder wagon, registration number HC 9018, along the Berbice River Bridge Access Road. Investigators subsequently discovered 10 AK-47 rifles, triggering an extensive investigation into the origin, ownership and intended destination of the weapons.
As the investigation widened, the Guyana Police Force issued wanted bulletins on May 28 for Antonio Alonzo Lawrie, known as “Lanzo,” Gregory Anthony Persaud, called “Satan,” and Ryan Singh.
Earlier this week, Lawrie and Persaud turned themselves in at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, in the company of their attorneys.
Police said the latest arrest was made on Friday after investigators searched the Farm, East Bank Demerara residence of the 21-year-old suspect.
According to Police Headquarters, an extended magazine suspected to be compatible with a 9mm firearm was discovered in the man’s bedroom. He was subsequently taken into custody.
The police said the search was conducted following the arrest of the two other suspects as investigators continue efforts to determine whether additional persons were involved in the alleged firearms operation.
Authorities have not indicated whether the latest suspect will face charges, but the investigation into the seizure of the assault rifles remains ongoing.
