Teens charged over M-16, grenades

The two teenagers, who were allegedly found with a haversack that contained an M-16 assault rifle, ammunition and grenades, were arraigned in a city court yesterday and remanded to prison.

It is alleged that Kevin George, 18, of 21 Castello Housing Scheme and Samuel Johnson, 17, of 158 Curtis Street, Albouys-town, on Wednesday, January 22nd at Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, had in their possession an M-16 rifle without a licence. It was further alleged that the duo had in their possession sixty-one .233 rounds of ammunition without a licence. And it was also alleged that they had a concussion grenade and a fragmentation grenade in their custody without a licence.

Both George and Johnson pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against them. However, it was the police’s case that the teenagers were in the vicinity of Penny Lane on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt at about 11:15am when they were spotted by ranks on patrol in the area.

Kevin George and Samuel Johnson being escorted to the holding cell yesterday after their arraignment.
Kevin George and Samuel Johnson being escorted to the holding cell yesterday after their arraignment.

According to Police Prosecutor Michael Grant, police ranks thought the two looked suspicious. The ranks, Grant added, noticed George handing a haversack to Johnson, who immediately threw it back to him and George subsequently dropped the bag on the ground. Subsequently, the police ranks approached them and commenced a search. Discovered in the bag was the rifle, grenades and

The rifle and the magazines along with the grenades that police say they recovered from a haversack the teens had in their possession. (Guyana Police Force photo)
The rifle and the magazines along with the grenades that police say they recovered from a haversack the teens had in their possession. (Guyana Police Force photo)

ammunition, Grant said. He added that after the interception of the items, the teens were arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station and further investigations were carried out, leading to them being brought before the court.

George and Johnson were eventually remanded to prison and the case was adjourned until February 11. Five witnesses are set to testify against them.