A 34-year-old Parika labourer was on Wednesday remanded to prison after being charged in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged possession of 10 AK-47 rifles discovered in Berbice earlier this year.
Ryan Singh, called “Satan,” of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
The charge stems from an investigation into the alleged possession of 10 AK-47 rifles without a licence at East Coast Berbice.
Singh pleaded not guilty to the charge. Bail was refused and he was remanded to prison until July 10, 2026.
His arraignment is the latest development in the high-profile firearms investigation that has already seen several persons charged.
Last month, Gregory Anthony Persaud, called “Greg,” a 21-year-old wash bay attendant of Farm, East Bank Demerara, and Antonio Alonzo Lawrie, called “Lanzo,” a 33-year-old businessman and wash bay owner from the same community, surrendered to investigators at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, accompanied by their attorney-at-law.
Police said legal advice was obtained recommending that Persaud be charged with possession of a firearm magazine, contrary to Section 16(2)(a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 16:05.
Legal advice also recommended that both Lawrie and Persaud be charged with conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.
Their arrest formed part of the wider investigation that began with the arrest and charging of taxi driver Stephen Rajah.
Rajah was remanded to prison after appearing before the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on May 28 on a charge of possession of firearms. He was not required to plead.
Police said Rajah was arrested after ranks conducting a stop-and-search exercise along the Berbice River Bridge Access Road on May 22 intercepted a black Toyota Fielder wagon. Investigators alleged that the driver sped away from the scene and escaped.
Acting on information received, police subsequently searched an area along the No. 11 Village Public Road, Corentyne, where they discovered 10 AK-47 rifles wrapped in plastic and cloth.
Investigators said the weapons bore markings consistent with 7.62x39mm rifles and appeared to have been tampered with in an apparent attempt to conceal their serial numbers.
Rajah was later intercepted at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, in the same vehicle and taken into custody.
Police have said investigations into the illegal firearms case remain ongoing.
