Businessman Randy Jagdeo surrendered to police on Sunday, hours after the Guyana Police Force issued a wanted bulletin for him in connection with the discovery of 23 AK-47 rifles at Schoonard, West Bank Demerara, last Thursday.
Jagdeo, accompanied by his attorney, reported to the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters, where he remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Police are still searching for Orlando Gabriel, who is also wanted in connection with the case. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest police station.
The investigation began after officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit intercepted a vehicle on the West Bank of Demerara and found 23 AK-47 rifles and a matching quantity of ammunition. Authorities said the firearms are believed to have been manufactured in the United States. One rifle retained its serial number, while the serial numbers on the remaining 22 had been removed. The weapons are undergoing forensic examination.
This is the second major seizure of AK-47 rifles in Guyana within three weeks. On May 22, police recovered ten AK-47 rifles along the No. 11 Village Public Road, Berbice, after intercepting a Toyota Fielder. The firearms were wrapped in plastic and cloth, and investigators found that their identifying markings had been tampered with.
That investigation resulted in the arrest and charging of a taxi driver, while wanted bulletins were later issued for Gregory Persaud and Antonio Alonzo Lawrie. Both men subsequently surrendered and were charged.Persaud also faces an additional charge of illegal possession of firearms. They have since been remanded to prison.
Investigations into the latest firearms seizure remain ongoing.
