Opposition Leader and sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed, lashed out at the Government and the Special Organised Crime Unit of the Guyana Police Force as Police Officers executed a search warrant at his Lombard Street business place this midday.

Three persons who reportedly work at the location were taken into custody and an undisclosed quantity of local currency was seized. Mohamed said the seized money was money set aside for offering assistance to less fortunate people who visit the business place almost daily. He said he was taken aback by the search operation since, according to him, there is no business that operates out of the building since the company’s licenses were revoked.

The Police presented a search warrant that explained that the search was being carried out for local or foreign currency, precious metals, minerals, financial documents, and electronic devices.

Based on Mohamed’s interaction with the Police, the only thing found under the warrant was an undisclosed sum of local currency, which Mohamed asked that they display to show that it was a small amount. He expressed surprise that a drug sniffing dog was also brought to the business location as part of the search.

“If is narcotics, you got to go at the big drug dealers place not here”, Mohamed said. He told the investigating ranks that there is nothing unlawful that could be found at the property. He accompanied the Police officers in their search and declared that he was being victimized over his political choice.

“This is share political persecution in this country just because I am standing up to the PPP for the people of this country, this is what I have to go through. You already shut down my flippin businesses and now you coming and search. Go by the drug dealers them and search”, he implored.

He said donated millions of dollars over the years to the governing People’s Progressive Party, and therefore any search for his money, should be at the headquarters of the PPP.

“The hundreds of millions that I give to the PPP, its at Freedom House, go there and search” he said.

When the Police informed Mr. Mohamed that they were confiscating money found at the premises, he said the money should be displayed for all to see.

“Let people see how much money you find, this is the staff money in envelopes and money to give poor people and beggars when they come here. Envelope with $5000 and seven, you know envelopes to give people when they come for assistance”, Mr. Mohamed said.

The search was completed and the commanding Policeman informed that there was no gold or drugs found at the premises. He said two firearms were found in the possession of persons at the location and checks will be made to ascertain the validity of the firearm licenses for the two weapons.

At SOCU headquarters, there was more confusion as an Attorney representing the Mohameds was refused access to meet with the three persons who were arrested.

Mohamed said he is convinced that the actions of the Police were politically directed.

Mohamed, and his father, Nazar Mohamed, are currently before the Magistrates’ Court fighting off an extradition request by the US Government for them to face allegations of mail and wire fraud, tax evasion and money laundering related to gold exports.

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