Grove man remanded over AK-47

A Grove Housing Scheme man was on Friday remanded over an AK-47 rifle while another man was granted bail.

Elroy Scipio, 48, of  287 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and Michael Vanderstoop, 36, of the same address pleaded not guilty to the possession of a firearm without a licence when they appeared before Senior Magistrate, Sunil Scarce.

Scipio was remanded to prison while Vanderstoop was granted $200,000 bail. The matter has been adjourned to November 30th.

The police had said that on Tuesday they conducted an intelligence-led operation between 19:30 and 20:30 hrs.

Police searched the house and found an AK-47 rifle with the serial number filed out and one magazine wrapped in a white tarpaulin. Scipio and Vanderstoop were both questioned as to whether they had a licence to carry the firearm, and they remained silent.

They were both told of the offence, cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the Diamond Police Station, where the firearm and magazine were dusted for fingerprints.

The firearm and magazine were marked, placed in a Firearms Box and lodged at the station to be examined.