Rupununi miner slapped with illegal firearm, ammo charge

After being found with an unlicensed firearm and several rounds of ammunition in his possession on Thursday, 25-year-old Deon Jonas, a miner of St Ignatius Village Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) was on Friday arraigned before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to face the charges.

Jonas denied both charges after it was read to him by Magistrate Clive Nurse. The first charge detailed that on September 5, at Meer Zorgen Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD) he had in his possession a .CZ 7.6 semi-automatic pistol without being the licensed firearm holder of same.
Another charge stated that on the same date and location, he also had eight live .32 rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.
According to reports, ranks of a Police Anti-Crime Unit patrol were conducting a road block on the Meer Zorgen Public Road, when they stopped motor car HC 1920, which was driven by a 36-year-old a taxi driver of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Jonas, along with a 36-year-old Venezuelan, were the only occupants in the car, when the ranks informed them that a search would be conducted on their personal belongings as well as the car. During the said search, the illegal weapon and a magazine containing the ammunition were found in the pants crotch of the defendant.
While in custody, Jones allegedly gave a written statement under caution admitting ownership of the firearm and ammunition stating that he stole the firearm and ammunition from his uncle a businessman at Oko, Upper Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The prosecution objected to bail being granted to Jonas on the grounds that no special reason was provided by his attorney, Gordon Gilhuys, as to why bail should be granted.
As such, Magistrate Nurse remanded the defendant to prison and adjourned the matter until September 9, 2019.