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Police probe multiple theories behind AK-47 busts
…as border smuggling, Venezuelan gang suspicions grow
(Kaieteur News) – Police are probing several theories in relation to the recent AK-47 busts, Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Wendell Blanhum has confirmed.
Stopping short from what the theories are, the crime Chief said, “And those theories are being examined against information provided by sources, intelligence gathered and evidence”.
Reports have circulated, however, in the local press that one of the theories might be that the weapons are being smuggled through this country to criminal gangs operating out of Venezuela near the Guyana border. Police on Monday charged Jonathan Gans, a Venezuelan national who was found with 23 AK-47 rifles at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara. He was remanded to prison.
Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum
Gans was among three men inside a vehicle, last Thursday evening reportedly transporting the assault rifles and a quantity of ammunition.
The vehicle was intercepted by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). Gans was captured while the other two men escaped.
Wanted suspect, Orlando Gabriel
On Sunday police issued wanted bulletins for two men in connection with the rifles, one of whom remains at large while the other turned himself in.
Kaieteur News reported on Monday that hours after the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued wanted bulletins for businessman Randy Jagdeo and Orlando Gabriel in connection with 23 AK-47 rifles Jagdeo turned himself in to police on Sunday. However, up to press time Monday Gabriel remains on the lam.
Blanhum had told Kaieteur News on Sunday that Jagdeo arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters accompanied by his lawyer and remains in police custody.
Businessman, Randy Jagdeo
Jagdeo, 39, is not new to law enforcement scrutiny. In May 2025, he was charged with inciting persons to commit treason after allegedly making a Facebook comment claiming Essequibo belongs to Venezuela, and over a sign displayed at his “Thousand Dollar Store” on the East Bank of Demerara that featured the “One Guyana” logo alongside a map of Guyana excluding the Essequibo region. He was released on $350,000 bail in that matter.
The businessman also faced a murder charge in 2013 but was freed the following year after prosecutors failed to establish sufficient evidence.
AFC alarmed
Meanwhile, in a press release the Alliance For Change sought to tie Randy Jagdeo to the PPP, saying this latest incident raises serious questions about accountability and national security. “What is equally concerning, however, is the apparent silence from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Despite the gravity of the allegations and the public concerns being raised, there has been no visible sanction or condemnation directed at Jagdeo.”
According to the AFC, separate from the 23 rifles currently under scrutiny, Guyanese are still awaiting full answers regarding the 10 AK-style rifles intercepted by law enforcement in late May. The party said while authorities succeeded in recovering those weapons, the incident highlighted broader concerns about the movement and circulation of illegal firearms within the country.
“The discovery of these weapons has also fuelled questions about whether other firearms may remain unaccounted for and whether criminal networks or other unauthorised individuals could have access to similar weapons.”
The AFC said national security cannot be treated as a partisan issue, noting that any matter involving high-powered firearms must be addressed with the utmost seriousness, regardless of the individuals involved or their political connections.
“The allegations have sent shockwaves across the country, given the potential implications for public safety and national security.
The emergence of such serious allegations demands a thorough and transparent investigation. Guyanese deserve answers regarding how such weapons came into circulation, who was responsible, and whether any laws were breached.
The Guyanese public deserves accountability, transparency, and reassurance that no one is above the law.”
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- AK-47 busts, border smuggling, criminal gangs, Jonathan Gans, Venezuela/Guyana border, Wendell Blanhum
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