Prime suspect in Number 69 Village robbery arrested

B Division lawmen yesterday placed into custody the prime suspect in last Saturday night’s robbery of the Corentyne boat owner, who along with his pregnant wife and their four year-old son escaped via a window.

One person who was also arrested in connection with the robbery was yesterday remanded for possession of cannabis, a firearm and ammunition.

Paul Williams, Commander of B Division yesterday afternoon relayed that the man who police believe is the prime suspect was arrested yesterday morning in Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice during a “full campaign, in terms of searching the known drug houses, we were able to successfully make that arrest”.

He further stated that from 4 am yesterday, police were on the road conducting roadblocks and carrying out searches in the entire division.

Meanwhile, a hire car driver who was arrested hours after the robbery which occurred around 11.30 pm last Saturday, yesterday appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court.

Rabindra Kumar, 27, of Number 72 Village, Corentyne was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, possession of ammunition without licence and possession of a firearm without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh refused bail for Kumar who was represented by Attorney at Law, Ms. B. Williams. Kumar will return to court on August 25.

Kumar was found in his vehicle in close proximity to the scene. The man was found to have in his possession a small quantity of cannabis. Police also carried out a search on his premises after he was arrested and found an unlicensed shotgun, two spent shells and one live cartridge.

Meanwhile, four other persons who were also placed into custody on the said day as Kumar still remain in custody as of now, stated Commander Williams.

Asked if they are likely to be charged anytime soon, Williams said, “[It] depends on our investigation.”

Armed bandits on Saturday night invaded the home of the Number 69 Village, Corentyne boat owner and carted off $1.2 million in jewellery, $200,000 in cash and electronic devices.

The traumatized boat owner, Sachin Ramlakhan, 27, still refuses to comment on the issue.