Sophia husband, wife remanded for AK-47, ammo and drugs

Following a six-hour Police raid in North Sophia, a construction worker and his reputed wife were remanded to prison on Thursday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on several charges relating to illegal firearms and narcotics.

Godfrey Bacchus, 51 and Stacy Cort, both of North Sophia pleaded not guilty to the charges; their attorney Bernard DaSilva applied for bail.

The charges alleged that on November 24, 2019, the couple had an AK-47 assault rifle and a pistol in their possession without being the holder of a firearm license.

It is also alleged that they had 66 live matching ammunition in their possession along with 34.7 kilograms of cannabis.

Their lawyer argued that the firearms nor drugs were found in the possession of his clients and that they have no knowledge of it.

The Attorney told the court that the Police have since issued an arrest warrant for 27-year-old Steve Richard Bacchus, who is the nephew of Godfrey Bacchus.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to the couple being released on bail citing the seriousness and penalties attached to the charges.

They were remanded until December 4, 2019, when the case will be called at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Police reported that ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were conducting a raid in North Sophia where they observed Godfrey acting in a suspicious manner.

It is alleged that Godfrey threw the guns and ammunition into the trench when he saw the Police.