In a joint operation earlier today (24 October 2024), officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) intercepted a vehicle of interest in Central Lethem, leading to the discovery of unlicensed firearms.
According to reports, at approximately 12:45 hours, CANU ranks, acting on intelligence received, approached a white vehicle with Brazilian number plates, QUM 2E64, parked outside the Takatu Hotel.
The officers identified the driver as 36-year-old Paulo Cezar Buckley Da Silva, a labourer from Boa Vista, Brazil, and his passenger, 23-year-old Lorissa Soares Garcia Rodrigues, a hairdresser from Boa Vista.
Upon making contact with the occupants, the officers informed them of the intelligence that suggested the presence of illegal items within the vehicle.
A search was requested, and both individuals exited the car, allowing officers to proceed with the inspection. While nothing illegal was found on Da Silva’s person, the subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a .38 Special revolver concealed under the driver’s seat.
A suspected rifle was also discovered under the back passenger seat.Neither Da Silva nor Rodrigues were in possession of valid firearm licences, and both denied owning the weapons. They were promptly arrested and escorted to the Lethem Police Station.
A thorough search of Rodrigues, conducted by a female officer, yielded no further illegal items.During questioning, facilitated by a police translator, Da Silva admitted to bringing the firearms from Brazil with the intention of selling them in Lethem.
The firearms, now marked as evidence, were photographed, boxed, and sealed for further investigation. The vehicle has also been impounded.Both suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
