Local authorities are divided on the whereabouts of Barry Datram who is wanted for breaching the conditions of his bail stemming from an indictment in the US on drug charges. Another Guyanese wanted by the US, Terrence Sugrim, is meeting the conditions of his release.
Three months ago police issued a wanted bulletin for Datram after he failed to report to the Commissioner of Police twice weekly; in accordance with a High Court order. Some persons believe that he may have fled the jurisdiction; others believe his escape routes are too limited. To date the man has not been found.
A well-placed source told Stabroek News recently that he believes Datram is ‘lying low’ in Guyana because of his limited avenues for escape. The source ruled out Venezuela as a possible escape route noting the persons who kidnapped Datram’s wife Sheleza and three-year-old daughter came from that country. Police shot one kidnapper dead and another was subsequently charged. The case is currently before the court. The source also pointed out that the fact that businessman Shaheed Roger Khan was snatched by US authorities in Suriname; signalling cooperation between the two countries, would prevent Datram from even considering that country an escape option. Stabroek News also understands that Sheleza is no longer cooperating with the police.
On the other hand, other police sources have said that Datram has fled the jurisdiction in order to escape the clutches of the US authorities. One source contends that the court’s granting Datram bail presented a perfect opportunity for him to flee. Datram, a resident of Ruimzight Gardens, West Coast Demerara was arrested on a Provisional Warrant of Arrest pending extradition proceedings, requested by the US where he is indicted on drug related charges. However,
following three habeas corpus applications by his attorney Vic Puran, he was released when Justice Jainarayan Singh Jr ruled in the High Court that his detention was not lawful. As a result of the ruling the order granted by Justice Singh on December 13, 2007 that had set Datram free on $100,000 bail following an extended police arrest, still stood and Datram was freed.
On January 23, police issued a warrant for Datram after two occasions had passed and he did not present himself to the police commissioner as ordered. Police showed an interest in Datram after the kidnapping of his family was deemed to be drug-related. He was arrested and had been detained by police beyond the 72 hours that the law allows before a suspect is charged.
