Two ex Special Branch cops charged with illegal gun, ammo; threatening behaviour

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 20:59 by GxMedia

Two former Special Branch agents were Wednesday arraigned on several charges including threatening behaviour and illegal possession of a firearm.

Deputy Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud said the two ex-intelligence cops were arrested outside Special Branch Headquarters Tuesday afternoon after they failed to enter their former place of employment. A firearm was found in possession of one of the men, Persaud said.

Appearing before City Magistrate, Judy Latchman were 35-year old George Valladares of 159 Third Street, Alexander Village and 27-year old Jarrel Huntley of 140 Lamaha Springs, Greater Georgetown.

They each pleaded not guilty to being in possession of one 9 MM Glock Pistol while not being the holder of a firearm licence on March 11 at Barrack and Camp Streets. He was also charged with being in possession of 14 rounds of ammunition, and engaging in threatening behaviour against Surendra Etwaroo.

Bail was granted to them in the sum of GUY$30,000 each for threatening language. However, they were refused bail on the possession of firearm and ammunition charges.

Valladares and Huntley were remanded to prison until March 28.

Defence Lawyer, Bernard Da Silva told the court that it was a toy gun and he applied for bail on grounds that the likelihood of an early trial was remote.

Police Prosecutor, Joel Ricknauth, in reply, said he was advised that it was not a toy gun and that the firearm was found on their person. He said no special reason was provided.

Brief facts of the case were that the Valladares and Huntley called Etwaroo and threatened to harm his family if he did not pay them their money.

The other Defence Lawyer, Patrice Henry said it was strange that both defendants threatened Etwaroo on a cellular phone and arrived at a particular location.