Venezuelan jailed for illegal guns, ammo

A Venezuelan national on Thursday appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, charged with four firearm-related offences.

It is alleged that 27-year-old Jesus Rodriquez had three .38 ammunition when he is not a licenced firearm holder on October 7, 2018, at Dukwari Backdam, Cuyuni River.

It is also alleged that he had .38 revolver in his possession.

With the aid of an interpreter, Rodriquez pleaded guilty to these two charges and was sentenced to two years jail and fined $50,000 for each offence. The sentences will run concurrently.

Rodriquez was also charged with having 17 9MM round of ammunition along with a 9MM Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol.

He did not have legal representation and pleaded not guilty to these charges. The foreign national was remanded to prison until October 24 when the matter will be called at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

The court heard that police responded to a complaint that the foreign national was shooting inside the hotel.

As such, Rodriquez told the court that it was customary for Venezuelans to fire shots in the air when drinking during a celebration.