Two more men have been brought before the court to answer charges related to the illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
The latest case involves Otineo Thomas of Clare Hall and Roan Hector of Hatton. The court heard that the men were intercepted at Sutherlands during a patrol of the area by a squad of police officers.
They had in their possession one black Taurus GX4 9mm pistol and ten rounds of ammunition contrary to the Firearm Act of Antigua and Barbuda.
Thomas and Hector appeared before Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on Tuesday where Hector pleaded guilty to the charge while Thomas entered a ‘not guilty’ plea.
The prosecution in the case has decided to proceed to trial in the ‘not guilty’ matter. Under those circumstances, the magistrate decided to defer the ‘guilty’ plea until the trial has been completed.
Both men have been denied bail. However, they have been advised by the court to apply to high court for bail via indigent bail or through an attorney. The trial date has been set for August 27, 2025. The prosecution has indicated that it will call a minimum of five witnesses.
Since the announcement of the National Gun Amnesty, the police have been making a concerted effort to have those with illegal firearms turn them in voluntarily. Failure to do so may result in them being arrested and charged for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
