Seven armed persons believed to be Venezuelan nationals this morning invaded the Eteringbang Landing, Region Seven home of a businessman and carted off two kilograms of raw gold and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Police confirmed the robbery which took place around 02.30hrs at Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni River, Region Seven.
The house belongs to businessman, Ronnel Sam, 24, who was in Venezuela at the time.
According to a police report, enquiries disclosed that the suspects went to Sam’s business place where he sells fuel.
Whilst there, they held his workers at gunpoint and carted off the 70 ounces of raw gold and money.
The businessman’s house was ransacked. No injury was reported.
No arrest has yet been made.
Back in March this year, security in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was beefed up following concerns raised by business owners.
During a telephone interview with Stabroek News, Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams had said that the issue was discussed “extensively” at the Regional Intelligence Committee meeting and a decision was taken by Police Commander Dion Moore to increase security across the region.
“We recognise that this area is an area that has always had problems based on the ‘Syndicatos’ [a Venezuelan criminal gang] and all those who traverse back and forth. It’s not unusual. It is not different,” Williams had told Stabroek News.
Williams had said that additional forces had been dispatched to the bordering communities across the region and it is anticipated that this will result in a reduction in criminal activities.
“I have been assured that things are going to get better and all these security issues and criminal activities might reduce…. There is going to be a reduction of crime, reduction of criminal activities because of the increased resources… being earmarked for that area,” he had said.
