Two Essequibo residents are presently in police custody following the discovery of a quantity of live ammunition on Wednesday at their respective homes, by ranks attached to the “G” Division.
Based on information received, police acting on information conducted a search at the home belonging to 64-year-old George Couchman- a security guard of Good Hope, Essequibo- in his presence, at around 10:00hrs on the day in question.
It was there that one box of Armscor ammunition was discovered hidden in a small Nestle bottle with a yellow cover, in Couchman’s bedroom.
Police confirmed that the box contained 50 .32 rounds of live ammunition as well as four yellow 20 gauge cartridges.
Upon being questioned, the security guard reportedly told police that he received the items from another man called “Shabah.”
As the investigations continued, the “G” Division ranks managed to make contact with the second man implicated, who was identified as Shahabuddin Mohamed Raffee, a 47-year-old Farmer of Dryshore Essequibo Coast.
A search was conducted at around 12:00hrs at Raffee’s home, in his presence, and police found one Taurus .32 pistol, one box of Armscor ammunition with 50 live rounds, two extra magazines along with 11 live .32 pistol rounds in one of the magazines.
The farmer was also apprehended, but informed police that he was a licenced firearm holder.
At the Anna Regina Police Station, Couchman reportedly repeated that he received the ammunition from Raffee, who denied the allegation.
Nevertheless, Raffee’s firearm licence was copied and lodged, while the ammunition and firearm were sealed, marked and lodged in the presence of the duo.
Both men remain in police custody as the investigations continue.
