Fugitive armed robbery convict among 38 arrested in police raids

Desmond Junior Lewis
Desmond Junior Lewis

A Sophia resident, who was sentenced in absentia to six years in jail for armed robbery, was among 38 persons arrested during a massive police operation in parts of ‘A’ and ‘C’ divisions early yesterday morning.

Narcotics as well as electronics, car parts and motorbikes, suspected to be stolen, were also found during the operation.

In a press release issued last night, the Guyana Police Force informed that as part of the ongoing “Restore Order” operation, ranks conducted several cordon and search exercises in the two divisions. The operations were carried out between 3.30 am and 8.30 am in the East La Penitence Station District, which includes Guyhoc Park and parts of Sophia, Greater Georgetown (A Division); and in Sophia and Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (‘C’ Division).

Some of the electronics and other items that were seized by police during the raids.

According to the release, Desmond Junior Lewis, 36, of ‘D,’ Field, Sophia, who was arrested in ‘C’ Division, when profiled was found to have been sentenced in absentia to six years on two counts of armed robbery committed in ‘A’ Division.

He was one of 31 persons detained in the division for offences ranging from armed robbery, possession of stolen articles, possession and trafficking of narcotics and setting fire to a building. Police did not say which part of ‘C’ Division Lewis was arrested or provide details on the circumstances surrounding his capture.

In that Division, the release said three motorcycles with registration plates CH 8675, CG 3395 and CH 8917, a car bumper, two car doors, a vacuum, a power washer, a grass cutting machine, three cellular phones, a television set, and a music set with three speakers were among the items found.

In ‘A’ Division, the release informed, three motorcycles, two with registration plates CG 8319 and CJ 570, 10 laptops, 42 cellular phones, a tablet, two Playstations, an auto digital timer, an Xbox console, a quantity of computer and phone accessories and seventy-two (72) grammes of cannabis were found. Seven persons have been detained inclusive of a woman for offences ranging from receiving stolen property to possession of narcotics.

The items are all presently in police custody.