A Stratsphey, East-Coast-Demerara, man was arrested on Saturday morning after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm as well as an air gun.
The discovery was at around 06:00h when a large party of police officers – about 20 ranks in six vehicles – acted on information received and proceeded to Lot 161 Area ‘G’ Stratsphey, where they arrested a taxi driver after finding an Air Gun and a .32 Taurus Revolver in his room.
According to police reports, on arrival at the address, the ranks observed a two-storey concrete building in a well-fenced yard. The ranks gained entry to the yard through an open southern gate, made contact with the occupants, identified themselves as police officers, and informed them that they would like to conduct a search of the building and their personal belongings, to which the occupants complied.
A search in the bedroom of one of the occupants, Raphael Samuels, a 29-year-old Taxi Driver, unearthed a black metal object suspected to be an Air Gun wrapped in a yellow pillowcase.
In addition, a second metal object suspected to be a firearm was found in a black plastic bag on a wooden vanity in the room. Samuels was asked to produce a firearm license which he said he did not have. He was immediately told of the offence, cautioned and arrested.
The ranks escorted Raphael Samuels and two other occupants of the house, along with the suspected Air Gun and firearm, to the Vigilance Police Station.
On arrival at the station, the suspected firearm was inspected in the presence of Raphael Samuels, and it was observed to be a .38 Taurus Revolver without ammunition. The firearm was placed in an evidence box marked, sealed and lodged.
The suspect was placed into police custody pending investigation. He is slated to be charged.
