A New Amsterdam taxi driver charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition has been granted $700,000 bail after appearing at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Ryan Lewis, 37, of Lot 13 Shoe Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Ms Matthias, where he faced two charges: unlawful possession of a firearm without a licence and unlawful possession of ammunition without a licence.
The charges stem from a police operation conducted on June 23 at Lewis’ residence. He pleaded not guilty to both offences, was granted $400,000 bail on the firearm charge and $300,000 on the ammunition charge, and the matter was adjourned until July 6.
Officers acting on information received attended Lewis’ home at approximately 11:45h on June 23 to search for arms, ammunition and narcotics. Lewis was informed of the purpose of the visit before the search commenced.
During the operation, officers allegedly discovered several parcels wrapped in transparent plastic containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis inside two blue plastic barrels. Lewis was cautioned and reportedly admitted ownership of the suspected cannabis.
A further search allegedly uncovered a silver-coloured .38 Special revolver bearing serial number UA852487, along with six rounds of ammunition, concealed inside a wooden chest of drawers. Lewis was subsequently arrested and taken to the Central Police Station.
The suspected cannabis weighed 14.65 kilograms. Samples were taken from each parcel and sealed for forensic analysis, while the firearm and ammunition were lodged.
