Another Venezuelan remanded as AK-47 probe widens

Jun 23, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Venezuelan national Juan Felipe Gonzales, 54, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, has been remanded to prison after being charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, contrary to Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

The charge stems from an ongoing investigation into the alleged possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, which occurred on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Schoonard, West Bank Demerara.

Another Venezuelan remanded as AK-47 probe widens

Remanded: Juan Felipe Gonzales.

Gonzales was arrested on June 18 and formally charged on Monday, June 22, 2026. He appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver at the Wales Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plead, and was remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned to July 14, 2026.

His remand follows that of fellow Venezuelan, Jonathan David Gans, who was also charged last week in connection with the same investigation. The 27-year-old construction worker of Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence. He pleaded not guilty and was also remanded, with his matter also adjourned to July 14, 2026.

The charges are linked to a major firearms bust conducted by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on June 11, 2026, during which a vehicle was intercepted along the West Bank of Demerara and a cache of 23 AK-47 rifles, along with a corresponding quantity of ammunition, was discovered.

Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum confirmed that the weapons were manufactured in the United States. He said one firearm had an intact serial number, while the serial numbers of the remaining 22 were destroyed.

The discovery marks the second major AK-47 seizure in just over three weeks.

The first cache was discovered on May 22, 2026, along the No. 11 Village Public Road in Berbice. Police said ranks conducting a stop-and-search exercise along the Berbice River Bridge access road between 01:00hrs and 04:30hrs intercepted a black Toyota Fielder Wagon, registration HC 9018.

The 23 AK-47 rifles and matching ammunition that were seized.

Acting on further intelligence, officers searched the No. 11 Village Public Road area, where they recovered 10 AK-47 rifles wrapped in plastic and cloth.

Investigators said the firearms were chambered in 7.62x39mm and showed signs of tampering, apparently in an attempt to obscure serial numbers.

The driver of the vehicle, taxi operator, Stephen Rajah, 33, of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, was later intercepted at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, arrested, charged, and remanded. He has since been released on bail.

During the investigation, police also discovered an abandoned Toyota Runx, registration PSS 4272, at Second Street, Savannah Park, New Amsterdam, which is suspected to have been used in transporting the weapons.

Subsequently, wanted bulletins were issued for Gregory Persaud and Antonio Alonzo Lawrie in connection with the case. Both later surrendered to police.

Following their surrender, police conducted a search on June 5, 2026, at Farm, East Bank Demerara, where a 9mm extended magazine was allegedly found at the residence of a 21-year-old wash bay attendant.

The man was arrested and questioned, and legal advice was later received to charge Persaud and Lawrie with conspiracy to commit a felony. Persaud was also charged with illegal possession of firearms. Both have since been remanded.

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AK-47 rifles, felony, Juan Felipe Gonzales, Venezuelan

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