US-based Guyanese remanded on illegal gun, ammo charges

US-based Guyanese Tony Mootoosammy has been remanded to prison on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Mootoosammy, also of Bath, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested on March 31 at a horseracing event at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Police headquarters had reported that the man was attempting to enter the arena where the races were being held when a search was conducted by a Police rank who found a firearm with a magazine containing 10 live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

According to Police, the 46-year-old man was asked by the Police to produce his licence and he allegedly stated that he forgot the document in his van at home. He was then asked by the rank for a form of identification and he produced his United States of America and Guyana drivers’ licences.
Mootoosammy was then asked if he could instruct anyone to bring over his firearm licence or even send an electronic copy, but the man allegedly indicated that his entire family was at the event.
As a result, Police invited the man to the Whim Police Station where he allegedly admitted that he did not have a licence for the gun nor the ammunition.
As such, the man was told of the offence committed, and allegedly offered to bribe the officers with $500,000.
Mootoosammy was immediately arrested and placed into custody.
On Tuesday, he appeared at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to prison.
The matter was adjourned to April 8, 2024 and was scheduled to continue at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.