Gun buyer held in Army sting operation

Gun buyer held in Army sting operation
Guyana Chronicle
October 9, 2002

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A MAN from Charlestown, Georgetown, who had expressed an interest in purchasing an assault rifle, has been arrested after he was lured into a trap during a `sting operation' conducted by members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) counter intelligence Department.

According to an Army release, on October 4, last, a member of the GDF's 31 Special Forces Squadron reported to his superiors that he was approached by the man to sell him an AK-47 assault rifle.

After the report was confirmed, a plan was put in place for the soldier to proceed with the sale of the weapon, leading to the subsequent arrest of the buyer, the release said.

The arrest, the Army noted was as a result of the loyalty, commitment and professionalism of the Special Forces member.

Two months ago, three Coast Guard ranks were placed under close arrest for the alleged sale of two assault rifles to Mohamed Shaharuddin also known as `Plantain' of No 79 Village, Corriverton and Rabindranauth Persaud of Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

And since the unearthing of the conspiracy, the release said, the Army's Intelligence Unit has conducted a series of security lectures to sensitise members of the Force of the dangers posed by the new threats, while reinforcing values of commitment and service.