GDF Captain nabbed with gun, ammo & ganja remanded to prison

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain Dominic Gilpin was on Thursday remanded to prison on possession of gun, ammunition and narcotics charges while his alleged accomplice was granted bail when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The 30-year-old Army rank was earlier this week nabbed by the Police in his private motor vehicle on the Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown with a large quantity of narcotics, a firearm that he was not licensed to carry, along with a matching magazine for the gun and several rounds of ammunition.
Gilpin, a Coast Guard, and Paul Murray were jointly charged when they made their first court appearance before Magistrate Faith McGusty.
They both pleaded not guilty to the trafficking charge which stated that on September 30, 2019, at the Avenue of the Republic, they had in their possession five kilograms (11 pounds) of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. The Police also stated that on the same day, Gilpin had in his possession one .32 Taurus pistol, but he was not the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time.
Gilpin was also accused of having two rounds of .32 ammunition in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time.
In court, Gilpin was represented by Attorney-at-Law Latchmi Rahamat while Murray was represented by Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry.

Both lawyers contended that their clients had unblemished criminal records and would adhere to any conditions the court may implement on granting bail.
In presenting the facts to the court, Police Prosecutor Ceon Blackman stated that on the day in question, acting on information, Police ranks intercepted motor car PXX 94 belonging to and driven by Gilpin. Murray was the lone passenger at the time.
The ranks then approached the car, where Gilpin informed the Police that a gun with the matching rounds of ammunition was in the middle compartment.
He then went on to tell the ranks that he was conducting business. The ranks conducted a search of the vehicle and the cannabis was unearthed. As such, both men were arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station.
The Prosecutor objected to bail being granted.
Murray was, however, granted bail in the sum of $250,000 while Gilpin was remanded to prison. Both men are slated to make their next court appearance on October 17, 2019.