Guyanese man accused of shipping barrel with high powered guns, ammo

After months of investigations into the discovery of two high powered guns stashed inside motorcycle parts in a barrel, which was shipped from Brooklyn, New York, a 45-year-old man was charged on Monday, October 9.

Dwayne Phillip of Bourda, Georgetown was recently nabbed by police upon his arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport from New York. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court where he was slapped with two charges.

The first charge alleged that between January 1 and July 11, 2017, at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) Wharf, Lombard Street, Phillip had a 9mm Glock and 9mm Taurus Pistol in his possession when he is not a licenced firearm holder.

It is further alleged that between the same dates and location, Phillip had 56 rounds of 9mm ammunition. He pleaded not guilty to both charges

Phillip denied both charges; his attorney, Keoma Griffith in a bail application told the court that he is a father of 10 and came to Guyana to visit his reputed wife and eight kids.

According to reports, the barrel was shipped from New York during January and arrived in Guyana in July. During a search by a Customs Officer at the GNSC wharf, the guns and several rounds of matching ammunition were found stashed in the motorcycle parts.  That barrel was reportedly addressed to Phillip’s reputed wife and was shipped by the accused.

Police Prosecutor, Arwin Moore objected to the defendant being released on bail on the grounds that he poses a flight risk and the seriousness of the charge. He was remanded to prison until October 16, 2017.