Two security guards in custody after police uncover illegal firearm during East Coast patrol

Police are investigating the discovery of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a patrol operation conducted on Saturday evening along the Beterverwagting Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

According to police reports, the discovery was made around 18:30 hrs in the vicinity of Granville Park during a routine patrol.

Enquiries revealed that ranks stopped a motorcycle, CR 439, which was being driven by a 30-year-old man of the Sparendaam Squatting Area. His documents were examined and found to be in order, after which officers conducted a search.

During the interaction, the man reportedly told police that he was employed as a security officer at a business place in Beterverwagting and indicated that a firearm was in the possession of a colleague at that location.

Police then escorted the suspect to the business premises, where they made contact with a 34-year-old security officer. The second individual reportedly went to a fenced area in front of the establishment and retrieved a 9mm Taurus pistol containing ten live rounds of ammunition. The weapon had been concealed between pieces of lumber and covered with a tarpaulin.

Both men were asked to produce documentation authorising possession of the firearm but reportedly failed to do so. They were subsequently arrested.

The suspects, along with the firearm and ammunition, were taken to the Beterverwagting Police Station, where the items were lodged as investigations continue.

Police said no firearm licence has been produced to date, and both men remain in custody assisting with ongoing investigations.