Steep increase in execution style murders
POLICE Crime Chief Seelall Persaud said, last Thursday, that there has been a steep increase in execution style murders this year. Speaking during the Guyana Police Force (GPF) presentation of its 2010 Christmas Policing Plan, he said the period under review is from January 1 to October 31, 2009 and 2010.
He said murders rose by 18 per cent and robberies by 17 per cent but gun robberies were 14 per cent less, robberies using other weapons minus 29 per cent, robbery with violence minus 30 per cent, robbery with aggravation minus four per cent, larceny from person minus 17 per cent, rape minus 11 per cent, burglary increased by 12 per cent,  break and enter and larceny minus 25 per cent and there was only one kidnapping.
Persaud said categories of murders show there were 29 unknown cases, 12 executions, robbery murders 22, domestic murders 15 and disorderly murders 36.
He said 39 of the killings were in ‘A’ Division, 29 in ‘E & F’ Division, 18 in ‘B’ Division, 21 in ‘C’ Division, four in ‘G’ Division and Seven in ‘D’ Division.
The Assistant Commissioner, Law Enforcement also revealed that 196 illegal guns were seized, including two sub-machines, two rifles, 33 revolvers, 18 shotguns and 26 pistols.
He reported that, in 2009, 440 persons were charged for possession of cannabis (marijuana) and 445 in 2010.
Persaud said street seizures of cocaine this year amounted to 6.38 kilogrammes, as compared to 22.107 kg last year while recorded airport seizures last year were a total of 44.535 kg and 45.352 kg this year.
He disclosed that 119 persons were charged in 2009 and 118 this year. Heroin seized weighed 2044 grammes last year and 356 grammes this year.
Persaud said detectives also adopted a range of strategies.