DEALERS IN DEATH
– Are teens being used as conveyors of arms, as seems to be the case in this instance?

A POLICE patrol in the South Ruimveldt locale last week, which resulted in the stopping and searching of two teenaged youths that led to the discovery of a deadly assault M-16 rifle, ammunition, and the equally deadly accessories of grenades in their possession, further underlines the frightening fact of the presence of high-velocity weaponry, and their easy acquisition, by whomsoever, for what definite evil and murderous activity.
Of course, Samuel Johnson, 17; and Kevin George, 18, the youths found with the semi arsenal, were arrested, and have since been charged, placed before the court and subsequently remanded.
One must commend the police patrol for their prompt response to the calls from the South Ruimveldt citizens that led to the interception and arrests, and the professionalism with which they executed their duties. It is quite obvious that they adhered to standard operating procedures. Further, those residents who observed the suspicious actions of the two teens should also be congratulated for doing their civic duty; for such timely intervention definitely resulted in some highly dangerous and illegal mission for which that arsenal had been intended, being thwarted.
The new millennium, particularly, has been very informative as to the proliferation of gun crimes in Guyana, and the calibre used in committing deadly acts of violence. It is certain that the handgun, though still used in a number of crimes, is no longer the weapon of choice in the possession of those who carry out their criminal activities.
From accounts given by eye-witnesses, there is always the description of “long guns” carried by the gunmen. This claim is supported by police investigators, whenever they explain the type of casings found at the scenes of most crimes. It points to a perception that the perpetrators, particularly those of the “hit men category”, wanting to ensure the efficiency and completeness of their deadly assignment, since they are often paid assassins.
It is more than clear that there is a ready market for this heavy calibre type weapon, particularly the well known and much used AK-47, as a result of the changed social dynamics of our society where narcotics and other related crimes, have resulted in a frightening demand for arms being acquired for bodyguards and personal protection, mostly illegally. Certainly, such high-voltage arms are not known to be licensed to private citizens. Hence, they are acquired illegally.
Surely, these guns are smuggled into Guyana without lawful permission, and by gunrunners who have their ready clientele. Therefore, the challenge for the authorities is to determine the manner of entry, and their locations, with a clear-cut strategy of minimising an activity that is manifest at the centre of bloody, murderous acts being committed with alarming regularity in this country. One feels horrified, aware that a very lethal device such as a grenade is easily acquired from sources responsible for gun-running and illegal arms sales, by persons for whatever evil purpose is planned.
For too long there have been contentions that our borders are too lengthy and porous, cannot be efficiently policed, if at all, and therefore facilitate the easy entry of illegal firearms. But what about the nation’s waterways and berthing areas? Are these also not possible for use of landing illegal arms?
It is time that our security advisors and strategists evolve plans for combating a situation that is at crises proportions. One can only speculate as to the number of these “dealers in death”, but that is not important. Irrespective of their numbers, and where their supply bases are located, whether source or middlemen, our security forces, supported by proper intelligence must begin an all-out assault against these “dealers in death”, for they are out there, in many forms and guises. Their illegal enterprise must be broken and eliminated.
One is certain that the two teens, who ought to have been at school, were possibly acting on behalf of someone. Are teens being used as conveyors of arms, as seems to be the case in this instance? Of course, such will be determined by law enforcement and intelligence personnel in their investigations. This particular incident must be a catalyst for action by our security forces.