Latest update February 24th, 2025 6:16 AM
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Assault rifles, pistols found in crate at GNIC wharf
– Weapons shipped from Miami; man who tried to clear items detained
Customs officials unearthed a massive arms cache of high-powered rifles, pistols and ammunition at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) around 14:45 hrs yesterday.
Assault rifles, pistols found in crate
Police and Customs sources said that two Ak-47 assault rifles, some 13.9mm pistols and several rounds of ammunition were found yesterday during a routine examination of a crate that had been shipped from Miami.
The shipping agent was identified as Trans Caribbean Cargo International (TCCI), while the weapons were reportedly acquired from Springfield Armory, USA.
According to reports, a female customs officer decided to check the crate after observing that it was somewhat larger than other shipment crates. After removing some food items, the official saw two AK-47 rifles in a military-style haversack. On checking further, customs ranks found fifteen 9mm pistols in the same crate as well as matching ammunition for the weaponry.
Kaieteur News understands that an East Coast Demerara resident who turned up to clear the container was taken into custody. There are reports that Guyana Police Force’s top brass have already notified their US counterparts, who have reportedly arrested an individual who is allegedly connected to the shipment.
A police statement said that about 11:30hrs yesterday, during the clearing of a cargo consignment at the GNIC Wharf by GRA Officials, a cache of arms and ammunition was found comprising two (2) AK 47 Rifles, four (4) 40 pistols, eleven (11) 9mm. pistols, fifteen (15) extra magazines for the firearms, 489 various caliber rounds for the firearms and a body protection vest.
A man has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.
While the arms find has come just three days before Guyanese head to the polls, sources close to the investigation believe that the cache has no link to any political faction and that the smugglers had planned to sell the weapons to various unlicenced individuals.
But security and customs sources are worried that the smugglers may have already shipped other containers of high-powered weaponry, since not every crate and small container is examined.
In recent years there has been a drastic increase in gun crimes, believed due to the proliferation of illegal weapons here.
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