A TRIO slapped with unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and drug charges, on Friday made their appearance before city Magistrate Fabayo Azore. Security guard Eustace Thomas of Lot 606 East Ruimveldt; 57-year-old Irvin Paul, a security guard at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and his wife, 52-year-old Waveney both of Lot 596 East Ruimveldt, all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
It is alleged that on June 4 at Warlock, East Ruimveldt, they had in their possession 482 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.
The second and third charges stated that on the same day at Warlock, they had in their possession one .38 revolver, when they were not licensed firearm holders.
Another charge against the trio stated that at Warlock on the same day, they had in their possession one Mac 11 9mm firearm.
And lastly, it is alleged that on June 4 at Warlock, the trio also had in their possession 11 rounds of Mac 11 9mm ammunition, when neither of them were licensed firearm holders.
Police prosecutor Simone Payne related that on the day in question, the police received information and went to the home of the defendants where a search was conducted on the house. Thomas, Paul and his wife were present at the time the search was conducted.
The prosecution’s facts revealed that in one of the rooms, a bag belonging to the number one defendant (Thomas) was also searched and the illegal substance was found. A further search revealed firearms and ammunition and all the defendants were told of the offence and subsequently arrested and charged.
Magistrate Azore questioned that if the prohibited drug was found in possession of Thomas, then why were the other two persons charged.
However, Police Prosecutor Simone Payne asked that the file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice and also requested three weeks for completion of the file.
Attorney-at-Law Mr. Paul Fung-a-Fat requested bail for both of his clients in connection with the narcotics charge. He urged the court to find that there is special reason, since his clients occupy a room on the lower floor of the house and the alleged drugs were unearthed in the upper flat of the building.
Thomas was refused bail on the narcotics charge; meanwhile, both Paul swere granted $150,000 bail each on the said charge. However, the trio were denied pretrial liberty for the firearms and ammunition charges.
The prosecution was granted the requested time for all investigations to be completed and the matter was adjourned to Tuesday, June 30.