Cop linked to smuggled AK-47 transferred to mounted branch

The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) who was implicated in the smuggling of an AK-47 rifle out of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) compound, at Eve Leary, about one month ago, has since been transferred to the police force’s mounted branch.

This was confirmed by acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine, who told reporters yesterday that the ASP has been moved from the TSU to the mounted branch as the investigation continues.

Ramnarine said while initial advice was given in the matter and a police corporal was charged, complete advice was not yet given to the police.

“The file has been returned with some additional points to be cleared up and we are in the process of doing so,” he said.

Police Corporal Shavon Marks was charged on March 14th with illegal firearm and ammunition possession and remanded to prison. He allegedly aided in the smuggling of the weapon out of the TSU compound.

The charge had stated that on February 28, at Kingston, Georgetown, he had in his possession an AK-47 rifle and 40 7.62×39 live rounds without being the holder of a firearm licence at the time.

Five members of the Guyana Police Force, including the ASP were placed under close arrest after it was alleged that they had smuggled the high-powered rifle out of the TSU compound.

Three of them were subsequently allowed to go about their daily lives under open arrest, while the two others, including Marks, remained under close arrest with police supervision.

This newspaper was reliably informed that acting on information received, the police conducted a sting operation and intercepted the car used to smuggle the weapon out of the TSU compound. The car was intercepted at Carmichael Street and during a search, the high-powered rifle was discovered.

The driver was promptly searched and taken into custody. During questioning, he reportedly implicated Marks and the ASP.

Records on the driver’s phone revealed that during the time the car entered and left the TSU compound, several calls were made to Marks.

It is alleged that the ASP colluded with the corporal to sell the weapon.

Chief Wendell Blanhum had said that investigators dealing with the matter have recommended disciplinary charges for the ASP and other ranks who were on duty on the night of the incident. However, when asked specifically about these charges, Ramnarine yesterday refused to divulge any further information.