Coast Guardsman charged with unlawful possession of ammo

Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 October 2015, 16:50 by GxMedia

A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guardsman was Wednesday arraigned for allegedly being in unlawful possession of several assault rifle bullets while on a training exercise with the United States (US).

Kevin Valladares of 125 Amelia’s Ward, Linden was granted GUY$75,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan.

He pleaded not guilty to being in unlawful possession of thirty-two rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and 50 rounds of another type of ammunition on July 20, 2015 at Mackenzie, Linden.

The case was transferred to the Linden Magistrates’ Court on November 17, 2015.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that Valladares was participating in a training exercise with the US as a Coast Guardsman.

However, according to Jones, the Coast Guardsman left for his home after the exercise was cancelled due to inclement weather.

The Prosecutor alleged that Valladares was caught in a sting operation by an officer to whom he had attempted to sell the ammunition.

The Chief Magistrate requested the Defence to produce evidence that the GDF has already disciplined Valladares for the offence because he could not be punished twice for the same offence.