A 33-year-old gold miner was, on Tuesday, remanded to prison for allegedly having an illegal gun and matching ammunition in his possession.

Raymond Persaud of Charity, Essequibo Coast, appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on two firearm-related charges.

He denied that on September 11,2021, at Armu Backdam in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni area, he had in his possession one 9mm Taurus pistol with the serial number filed off, two magazines, one live  9mm ammunition and two .32 ammunition, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

Magistrate Lambert remanded Persaud to prison until October 15.

According to reports, on the day in question, a party of police officers went to a shop located at Armu Landing following a report of someone discharging a loaded firearm.

Whilst there, the shop owner reportedly pointed out to the ranks, two live 9mm rounds of ammunition and fifteen 9mm spent shells that were nearby.

Further investigations led police to Persaud’s camp where he was contacted and told of the allegations.

The hammock in which he slept was searched and the firearm and ammunition mentioned in the charge were found.

He was told of the offence committed, cautioned and arrested.