Corporal remanded for illegal firearm, ammo possession

Smuggled AK-47

A rank of the Guyana Police Force who had attempted to smuggle a firearm out of the Tactical Services Unit compound on February 28, 2017 was charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition when he faced the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.

The charge stated that on the day in question at Kingston, Georgetown, 36-year-old Shavon Marks was in possession of one AK-47 firearm and 40 live rounds of ammunition, without being the holder of a firearm licence.
Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones related that Police had received reports to the effect that the accused was planning to sell a firearm, upon which a sting operation was set up by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Marks was reportedly observed placing the weapon in the back of a motor vehicle, after which it drove away.
The vehicle was followed and subsequently intercepted by Police Officers who cautioned and arrested the driver. He was later charged with the offence.
Defence Attorney Bernard De Santos, SC, argued that the weapon was not found in his client’s possession. He slammed the investigation as being the worst of its kind, making reference to recent newspaper publications which announced that his client had fled the country. He added that his client was instead given two weeks’ leave and had voluntarily turned himself in to the authorities contrary to Police facts.
Bail was denied by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who failed to find special circumstances arising in the matter. The prosecution’s file was disclosed as being incomplete owing to an outstanding ballistics report and the matter was adjourned to March 22, 2017.
Marks will remain incarcerated at the Camp Street prison until the next court hearing.