As Guyana grappled with one of the deadliest maritime disasters in its history and families anxiously awaited news of missing loved ones, the Guyana Police Force deployed approximately 20 officers to search a property belonging to Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, prompting accusations that the State had misplaced its priorities at a time of national tragedy.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Office of the Leader of the Opposition said the operation unfolded on Monday afternoon while Mohamed was in the Iron Punt area near the mouth of the Pomeroon River, actively participating in the search and recovery mission for victims of the MV Barima disaster and supporting grieving relatives.

According to the Office, the search was conducted at Mohamed’s Friendship, East Bank Demerara property under a warrant issued by Magistrate Tameka Clarke and presented by Detective Superintendent Chabinauth Singh as part of the ongoing investigation into the 2021 murder of Ricardo Fagundes.