NY-based Guyanese remanded for guns and ammunition

Oct 10, 2017 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, https://www.kaieteurnewsonline...guns-and-ammunition/

An overseas-based Guyanese, who was being investigated after officials at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) found two high-powered guns and matching ammunition, stashed in bike parts in a barrel at the wharf, during a customs check, was yesterday remanded to prison on two charges of illegal gun and ammunition possession.

Forty-five-year-old Dwayne Phillips, of 77 Robb Street, Bourda, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, and denied the charge which alleged that between January 1, 2016 and July 11, 2017 at GNSC wharf, Lombard Street, he had one 9mm Glock pistol and one 9mm Taurus pistol in his possession when he was not a licenced firearm holder.

It was further alleged that between January 1 and July 11 at the same wharf, he had in his possession 56 rounds of 9mm ammunition, when he was not a licenced firearm holder.

Phillips was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Keoma Griffith. The lawyer asked that his client be released on bail. He told the court that Phillips is a driver in the United States and he came to Guyana to visit his 10 children.

The attorney said his client had cooperated fully during the investigations.
Police Prosecutor, Arvin Moore objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence as well as the penalty the change attracts.

The prosecutor also told the court that if bail is granted to the defendant he would not return to the court for the trial.

Phillips was then remanded and instructed to make his next court appearance on October 16. According to reports, the barrel was shipped to Guyana from Brooklyn, New York, and the guns and several rounds of matching ammunition were found stashed in bike parts.