Narcotics, ammunition seized in Police raid; shop owner detained

Police uncovered a cache of narcotics, ammunition, and cash during an intelligence-led operation on Friday, at Sideline Dam, Beterverwaging, East Coast Demerara.

According to a Police statement, between 12:05 hrs and 14:00 hrs, ranks first searched a corner shop owned by David Mingo, 42, where they found packaging materials, including a large plastic sealer and several ziploc bags, but no illicit substances.

Acting on further intelligence, Police said officers combed a nearby plot of land east of the shop, hidden beneath thick vegetation.

There, they discovered a white salt bag at the root of a palm tree and a small white bucket containing 3,895 grams of suspected cannabis. The bucket contained three boxes with 60 live 7.62×39 mm rounds, one box with 50 live 9mm rounds, 785 grams of suspected cocaine and $78,500 in cash, Police said.

Mingo and the seized items were taken to the Sparendaam Police Station.

He reportedly denied knowledge of the narcotics and ammunition. The substances, ammunition, and cash were lodged as the probe continues.