Police are investigating the discovery of eight firearms and ammunition following an intelligence-led operation carried out Tuesday afternoon at several locations in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara.
The operation, conducted about 4:30 p.m., targeted a supermarket and a shopping mall in Sophia, as well as a supermarket in Lusignan. During the exercise, police ranks questioned several security guards employed by a private security service who were on duty at the locations.
At a supermarket in Sophia, a 31-year-old security guard was found in possession of an airsoft rifle and was unable to produce a permit. At a nearby shopping mall, police discovered a 12-gauge shotgun with two live cartridges in the possession of a 34-year-old guard. Authorities said the serial number on the weapon had been filed off, and no licence or precept was produced.
In Lusignan, officers recovered an airsoft rifle in the vicinity of a guard hut at a supermarket. The 38-year-old security guard on duty told police the firearm had been issued to him at the start of his shift.
Further inquiries led investigators to the supervisor and owner of the security service, a 40-year-old man from Industry, East Coast Demerara. A search of his vehicle uncovered five additional airsoft firearms — three pistols and two rifles — none of which were supported by permits or licences, police said.
In total, police recovered eight firearms, including airsoft weapons and a shotgun, along with two rounds of ammunition. All items were processed and lodged as evidence, and the suspects were taken into custody as investigations continue.
Police said further inquiries are ongoing.