AN 18-year-old student of St. Ignatius, Lethem, Region 9 (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu) was on Tuesday refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on possession of narcotics and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition charges.Ricardo Pierrea pleaded not guilty to all three charges, one of which said that on February 17 at Central Rupununi, he had in his possession six grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana).

The other charge said on the same day at Central Rupununi, he had in his possession one .32 Taurus revolver, when he was not the holder of firearm licence.
Additionally, on the same day at Central Rupununi, he had in his possession two live rounds of .32 ammunition, when he was not a licensed firearm holder.
Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question around 11:05hrs, the police received information and contacted Pierrea. As a result, he took the police to his home, where the alleged firearm and ammunition were found.
The court heard that during questioning, Pierrea admitted that he had bought the said weapon from a man in Boa Vista, Brazil.
The teenager was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Mark Conway, who told the court that his client is a student without any prior convictions.
Prosecutor Grant opposed bail on the grounds of the nature, gravity of the offence and the fact that no special reason was advanced by the defence for granting of bail.
Pierrea was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrates Court for March 9.

Mother, son remanded over firearm,ammo charges
A mother and son were Tuesday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, after pleading not guilty to several firearm and ammunition charges.
The charge against Satyendra Kemraj and his mother Chandra Kemraj said on February 20 at Subryanville, they had in their possession 15 9mm rounds, when they were not holder of a firearm licence.
It is also alleged that on the same day, at Subryanville, Georgetown, they had in their possession one 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol.
Satyendra had two other charges which stated, February 20 at Subryanville, he also had in his possession five 9mm rounds. Also, he was found with 1371 rounds of 7.62*39 ammunition, one hundred .233 rounds and two 9mm rounds.
According to the prosecution, the police acting on information went to Austin Street, Campbellville which is owned by Mr. Kemraj. He was contacted by the police and a search was conducted in the house. The 1371 rounds of 7.62 and 39, 100.233 and two 9mm rounds of ammunition were found there.
He was then taken to his other residence in Subryanville. As the police arrived, they saw his mother, Chandra throwing something through her window. Upon inspection, it turned out to be an alleged gun.
The defendant was then searched and he also possessed five 9mm rounds of ammunition.
They were taken to the police station where they both allegedly confessed that they had knowledge of the gun and ammunition.
The duo was refused bail after Police Prosecutor Michael Grant opposed bail on the ground that special reason must be advanced by the defence.