A 47-year-old chief security officer was, on Friday, granted $400,000 bail after being charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a police operation along the East Coast Demerara.
Edward McCollin, also known as “Butler,” of South Vryheid’s Lust, appeared before His Worship Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court, where the charges were read to him. He pleaded not guilty to both offences.
McCollin was charged with Possession of a Firearm without a Licence and Possession of Ammunition without a Licence, contrary to Section 16(2)(a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 16:05. The matter was adjourned to February 18, 2026.
The charges stem from an operation conducted by ranks of Regional Police Division 4 ‘C’ at about 06:40 hrs on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in the Sparendaam/Plaisance Railway Embankment area.
Police said ranks observed McCollin standing among several individuals when he noticed the police presence and attempted to move away hurriedly.
He was allegedly intercepted and a search of his person allegedly revealed one suspected 9mm Taurus pistol along with a magazine containing five suspected 9mm rounds of ammunition.
McCollin was arrested and the suspected firearm and ammunition were lodged as investigations continue.