Shadow Minister of Home Affairs Toshana Famey has called for a thorough investigation into the recent seizure of 23 AK-47 assault rifles and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, describing the discovery as a matter of serious national concern.
In a statement, Famey, a Member of Parliament for the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood, said the quantity of weapons found during the operation was unusual and raised important questions about their intended destination and use.
“My concern is that 23 AK-47 rifles and over 500 rounds of ammunition were found in one operation. That is not something we see every day, and it immediately raises questions about who these weapons were for and what they were intended to be used for,” she said.
While commending law enforcement officers for intercepting the weapons, Famey stressed that the focus should extend beyond the seizure itself.
“I am pleased that the weapons were intercepted and I commend the officers involved. However, I do not believe the focus should be only on the seizure itself. The focus must now be on uncovering the full circumstances surrounding it. Was this an isolated incident, or does it point to something larger? That is what the investigation must determine,” she stated.
Famey said authorities must establish where the weapons originated, who was involved in transporting them, who was intended to receive them, and whether additional persons were connected to the operation.
“The authorities must establish where these weapons came from, who was involved in moving them, who was supposed to receive them, and whether there are additional persons connected to the matter,” she said.
She further noted that the discovery of such a large cache of firearms would naturally alarm the public.
“While it is encouraging that they were found before they could be used, the public will naturally want clear answers about what exactly was unfolding and whether there is any broader threat that still needs attention,” Famey added.
The comments come amid growing concern over the discovery of more than 30 AK-47 rifles and ammunition in less than a month, raising questions about how the weapons entered the country undetected and their intended purpose.
The latest seizure occurred last Friday during a joint operation conducted by the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara.
According to Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanhum, law enforcement officers intercepted a motor car carrying three occupants. Two of the individuals managed to escape, while a third suspect was apprehended after attempting to flee and remains in police custody.
Blanhum said the rifles are currently being examined by firearm experts attached to the Criminal Investigation Department’s Crime Laboratory.
He disclosed that the weapons were manufactured in the United States and that only one rifle retained an intact serial number, while the serial numbers on the remaining 21 rifles had been obliterated.
The seizure follows another major weapons bust on May 22, when 10 AK-47 rifles were discovered during an operation along the No. 11 Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.
The discoveries have revived memories of the infamous disappearance of 30 AK-47 rifles and five pistols from the Guyana Defence Force armoury, many of which later surfaced in the hands of criminals during the violent crime wave that plagued the country between 2002 and 2007.
The government and its security agencies have said very little about the probe into the recent finds or the likely means of entry into the country. Over the years international aid has been applied to assist with port security.
Efforts by Kiskadee Watch to contact the National Security Advisor Gerry Gouveia and Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond proved futile as all calls went unanswered. There has also been no word from the National Intelligence and Security Agency over what would be seen as a major security lapse with grave implications for the country.
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