A fisherman was yesterday remanded to prison after he was accused of robbing a vessel of $4.6 million in items.
The robbery charge was read to Shameer Haniff, 40, of Mon Repos Pasture, by Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.
It is alleged that Haniff, on February 19, in territorial waters of the Corentyne, Guyana, armed with two guns and cutlasses, robbed the vessel Ana Teresa, owned by Vickash Balkisson, of a 75 horsepower Yamaha outboard engine, valued at $2 million, 15 hundred pounds of seine, valued at $2 million, eleven 45-gallon plastic drums filled with gas, valued at $450,000, food items, valued at $150,000 and two 24- volt Power Master batteries, valued at $60,000. The items had a total value of $4,660,000.
Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to the defendant being granted bail, noting the seriousness of the offence, the fact that guns were allegedly used in the commission of the crime and the fact that the accused may not return to court if granted bail.
The prosecutor added that other charges are likely to be brought against the accused.
Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus subsequently remanded the defendant to prison and adjourned the matter until March 20, when it is expected to be heard at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.
