A 33-year-old taxi driver is in police custody after law enforcement officers discovered 10 AK-47 rifles during an operation in Corentyne, Berbice, on Friday.
According to police, ranks attached to Regional Division #6 were carrying out a stop-and-search exercise along the Berbice River Bridge Access Road between 01:00 hrs and 04:30 hrs when they attempted to stop a black Toyota Fielder wagon bearing registration number HC 9018.
However, police said the driver refused to comply and instead sped away from the ranks, escaping eastward.
Acting on information received afterwards, officers conducted a search along the No. 11 Village Public Road, Corentyne, where they discovered 10 AK-47 rifles wrapped in plastic and cloth.
Investigators said the firearms bore markings consistent with 7.62x39mm rifles. Police also observed that parts of the weapons appeared to have been tampered with, allegedly in an attempt to conceal or remove serial numbers.
The rifles were subsequently taken to the Central Police Station, where they were lodged as investigations continue.
Further investigations later led police to identify the driver of motor car HC 9018 as a 33-year-old taxi driver from Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.
Police said the suspect was later intercepted at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, while still in possession of the vehicle, and was taken into custody.
In a further development, officers also discovered a white Toyota Runx bearing registration number PSS 4272 abandoned on Second Street, Savannah Park, New Amsterdam.
Investigators suspect the vehicle may also have been used to transport the firearms.
The suspect remains in custody as police continue their investigations into the discovery of the high-powered weapons.
