Takutu Bridge poses a threat to police fight against gun smuggling

Nov 01, 2009 News

With the opening of the Takutu Bridge, the Guyana Police have said that there needs to be increased monitoring at the Brazil/Guyana border.

Crime Chief, Seelall Persaud, in a presentation to review the period January 1 to October 27, 2009, noted that most of the illegal weapons found so far for the year originated in Brazil. They were believed to have been smuggled.

Figures from the force show that so far for this year 79 firearms have been seized as compared to 112 for last year. Of the weapons seized, 22 are shot guns, 28 revolvers, 29 pistols and two rifles, most of them being found in ‘A’ Division.

Meanwhile, the force has stated that with the opening of a container warehouse in Linden there would be a serious threat of both narcotics and weapons being smuggled into the country.

The Crime Chief however noted that soon the police will be able to monitor containers entering from the Brazil border since the Guyana Revenue Authority will be acquiring a container scanner.

The Guyana Police Force will continue to monitor the country’s border with the collaborative effort of Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil.