By Nakasia Logan | November 21, 2024
A troubling rise in gun-related violence has been recorded in Guyana, as revealed by Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement, Wendell Blanhum, during the unveiling of the 2024 Christmas Policing Plan.
Blanhum highlighted that armed robbery, particularly involving firearms, remains the most prevalent crime of concern this year.
Region 4A, which encompasses the densely populated areas of Georgetown, has seen the highest number of firearm-related robberies.
This trend aligns with similar patterns observed in previous years.
According to Blanhum, pistols, especially high-capacity models with the ability to hold up to 17 rounds, are the firearms of choice among criminals.
These weapons are favored due to their easy concealment and greater ammunition capacity.
The Deputy Commissioner also pointed out that criminal activities are most concentrated during the evening hours, specifically between 6:00 PM and midnight.
This temporal analysis has allowed the police to optimize their resource deployment during these peak hours of criminal activity.
In response to the alarming increase in illegal firearms, the police have made significant strides in recovering weapons, with a record 162 firearms seized in 2024—the highest in a decade.
Blanhum attributed this achievement to intelligence-driven operations and strengthened partnerships with local and international law enforcement agencies.
Enhanced cooperation with agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, as well as the recent establishment of the CARICOM Gun Intelligence Unit, has helped curb the illegal flow of firearms, particularly from the United States and neighboring Brazil.
The fight against gun violence continues as authorities remain committed to improving safety and curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms in the country.