The Guyana Police Force is still awaiting all the results of an eTrace submission made in relation a cache of arms which was discovered in Lethem, Police Commissioner (ag) Leroy Brumell said.
Brumell when contacted on the investigation into the bust which resulted in one man being charged told Stabroek News yesterday that ranks are still “trying to get all the information.”
According to ATF online, eTrace (Electronic Tracing System) is an internet-based system that allows participating law enforcement agencies to submit firearm traces to the ATF National Tracing Center (NTC). Authorized users can receive firearm trace results via this same internet web site, search a database for all firearm traces submitted by their individual agency, and perform analytical functions.
Asked how long it will take for the information to be made available, the commissioner said that it is being done by competent people and will be made available in a timely manner.
He said that eTrace provides information on the manufacturer, country of origin and year of manufacture of firearms.
Crime Chief Seelall Persaud had told this newspaper previously that the Force had received some of the tracing and was awaiting more. However he declined to share what had so far been provided.
When asked about whether any of the weapons were linked to a local crime, Persaud said that ballistics were still being conducted on the items. It is unclear when this would be completed.
Around 3 pm on October 1 ranks raided a house at Tabatinga, Lethem and found 10 automatic rifles along with matching ammunition, two shrapnel hand grenades; one Icon VHF radio set; one Icon hand-held radio set; and one roll of camouflage material.
Police subsequently arrested Benedict Thompson and a woman who has been identified as the wife of Clive King, a Lethem based contractor. He is said to be the main suspect in the case. Thompson was later slapped with four charges. Thompson is his employee.
The woman was released.
Police subsequently issued wanted bulletins for King and his cousin, Ricardo Rodrigues. Since the incident King kept a low profile and according to sources in Lethem, he may be hiding out in Brazil.
Rodrigues, who turned himself in was gunned down at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club days after the police released him on station bail.
His execution, according to sources is linked with the arms discovery. Rodrigues was a close associate of self confessed drug lord Roger Khan who is serving time in a US jail.
