Georgetown: Although law-enforcement officers have been trying to clamp down on explosives such as squibs, Thunder King and others, they continues to flood the local market and could be purchased at any corner shop and are widely available to the general public, even children.
Commander of ‘A’ Division Clifton Hicken said that the police will carry out impromptu sting operations in various wards of the city.
He added that likewise, such operations will take place in all divisions and they have adopted a zero tolerance policy to explosives, especially at the impending festive season since they are aware of the dangers they pose.
Hicken stated that their campaign will be intensified as the holidays draw closer and those found in possession of, or selling explosives will be prosecuted since it is illegal to have them.
Meanwhile, when contacted, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) enforcement unit was seemingly unavailable to comment yesterday as regards the importation of explosives.
This reporter was asked to hold while being transferred from person to person and after sometime no one could offer a comment, despite numerous telephone calls.
On Diwali night in some areas, the “Festival of Lights” as it is referred to took a horrible turn as numerous explosives were ignited and fired into the air and on rooftops of residents’ homes in several East Coast Demerara villages.
Animals such as dogs did not escape and were terribly affected by the loud noise that shattered the usual quiet of the night.
Children were observed in the streets setting squibs alight, while adults had explosives at will and did not hesitate to ignite them, causing a noise nuisance also to the sick and elderly.
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