Miner remanded for illegal gun, ammo

A 25-year-old miner who was reportedly nabbed by police with a loaded 9mm pistol in a Route 42 minibus, was remanded to prison by City Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday.

Lepert Todd of Meadow Bank, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on August 25, 2017 at Houston Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he had a 9mm pistol along with 15 live matching rounds in his possession when he is not a licensed firearm holder.

Police Corporal, Shawn Gonsalves told the court that on the day in question, at about 14:00hrs, the police intercepted a Route 42 minibus – PJJ 5286 – and asked all passengers to step out with their belongings. Todd, who was carrying a haversack, was searched and the gun along with the ammunition were found inside.

Gonsalves noted that the defendant admitted in his caution statement that the gun belonged to him and he had bought it for $80,000 from “a man.” The Prosecutor objected to bail based on the seriousness and penalty of the charges.

As such, bail was denied and Todd was remanded until September 13, 2017.