A second Venezuelan national has been charged in connection with the discovery of a cache of high-powered firearms and ammunition at Schoonard, West Bank Demerara (WBD). Juan Felipe Gonzales, 54, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Monday charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The charge stems from an ongoing investigation into the possession of firearms and ammunition uncovered on June 11, at Schoonard. Gonzales was arrested on Thursday and charged on Monday. He was not required to enter a plea to the indictable offence. Bail was denied and he was remanded to prison. The case will continue on July 14.

He is the second Venezuelan national to be charged in connection with the weapons seizure. Earlier this month, 27-year-old Venezuelan construction worker Jonathan David Gans of Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was charged with possession of a firearm without a licence and possession of ammunition without a licence under the Firearms Act. Gans was arrested following the June 11 discovery of 23 AK-47 assault rifles and more than 500 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition at Schoonard by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). He appeared before the Wales Magistrate’s Court on June 15, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to prison. That case will also be called on July 14. The investigation has also led to the arrest of businessman Randy Jagdeo, who surrendered to police after a wanted bulletin was issued in connection with the seizure. Police had also issued a wanted bulletin for Orlando Gabriel. According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, the weapons recovered were manufactured in the United States (US). Investigators found that serial numbers on two of the rifles remained intact, while the serial numbers on 21 others had been obliterated.