Several persons were arrested and subsequently released on station bail as the police investigate a standoff between two groups of men at a mining ground at Unamco Road, Upper Berbice during which death threats were allegedly made.
Commander of Region 10 Hugh Winter yesterday confirmed the investigation of the incident, which occurred sometime between last Tuesday and Wednesday.
A source told Stabroek News that the incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a mining claim in the area. During the altercation, gunshots was fired in an effort to force persons who were operating on the land to leave.
A video of the incident was circulated on Facebook.
In the video, seen by this newspaper, the men were seen brandishing high powered weapons which has raised concerns.
Winter said the police have since retrieved “some” of the firearms which are licensed weapons. “The firearms that we have are licensed firearms,” he said.
Winter further said after the video was circulated, the police received a report of death threats being made, which triggered an investigation.
“Basically we got a report of some threats. Someone came and made a report of threats but after the video surface, the person came and report some threats and it was two sides basically on a mining ground so one side threaten the other and the other side come and report,” Winter said.
“Thereafter we went and investigate. Some people were arrested and placed in custody. Statements taken and we release them,” he said.
According to Winter, the suspects were released on station bail on Monday. He said investigators are presently in the process of compiling their evidence after which the police will seek legal advice.
