Former CID intel officer remanded on unlicensed gun charge

A taxi driver and former Criminal Investigations Department (CID) intelligence officer was on Thursday remanded to prison on a charge of having an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in his possession.

Calvin Anderson, 31, of Lot 108 North Haslington, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him by Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It was alleged that on September 25, at Georgetown, Anderson had a .38 revolver in his possession while not being the holder of a firearm licence.

It was also alleged that on the same day, he had five rounds of matching ammunition in his possession.

Attorney Gordon Gilhuys told the court that Anderson was in front of his work place when two policemen in plain clothes approached him. He said that Anderson got annoyed and used some indecent language and in retaliation, the officers told his client to drive to the CID headquarters, where they searched his vehicle.

He said that the officers then informed Anderson that the gun and ammunition were found under the driver’s seat.

Based on the circumstances in which the gun was found, he made an application for reasonable bail.

He added that Anderson is a former intelligence officer and has had no previous troubles with the law.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail based on the grounds of the offence and nature of the charge.

He added that Anderson became arrogant while police officers were talking to him and the search in which the gun and ammunition were found was conducted in his presence.

Magistrate McLennan refused bail, noting that no special reasons were given by the defence.

The case was adjourned until October 2, when it will be heard at Court One.