Berbice taxi driver in custody after cannabis, firearm found at residence

A 38-year-old taxi driver from Shoe Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice, is in police custody after ranks allegedly discovered a quantity of cannabis, a revolver, and ammunition during a search of his home on Tuesday.

According to police, at approximately 11:45 hrs, acting on information received, a team of officers went to the man’s residence at Lot 13 Shoe Lane to conduct a search for arms, ammunition, and narcotics.
Upon arrival, police made contact with the suspect and informed him of the purpose of their visit before carrying out a search of the premises.

During the search, officers reportedly found several parcels wrapped in transparent plastic containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. The parcels were discovered inside two blue plastic barrels.

Police said the man was informed of the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, cautioned, and allegedly admitted ownership of the suspected cannabis.

A further search of a wooden chest of drawers reportedly led to the discovery of a silver-coloured revolver along with six rounds of ammunition.

The firearm was examined and identified as a .38 Special revolver bearing serial number UA852487.
The suspect was subsequently informed of the offences of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition without a licence. He was cautioned and arrested.

He was then escorted to the Central Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 14.650 kilograms.

Samples were taken from each parcel and placed into transparent evidence bags, which were marked, sealed, and lodged for forensic analysis. The firearm and ammunition were also marked, sealed, and lodged to be sent for ballistic examination.

The suspect remains in custody at the Central Police Station as investigations continue.