A 36-year-old labourer of Karasabai, South Pakaraimas, who was allegedly found with an unlicensed shotgun at a farm, has been granted bail by the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.
Magistrate Omadat Chandan granted Joseph Francis bail in the sum of $100,000. As part of his bail conditions, Francis is required to report to his village Police Station every other Friday until the hearing and determination of the matter.
The case has been adjourned to February 3, 2026, for report and disclosure. He was represented by Attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva.
According to a Police report, ranks acting on information went to a farm in Karasabai Village, where they encountered Francis.
At the time, Francis was reportedly making clay bricks when the ranks approached him. While speaking with him, one of the officers observed a 20-gauge single-barrel shotgun lying about ten feet away.
Police said the rank took possession of the firearm and questioned Francis about it. When asked if the shotgun belonged to him, Francis allegedly replied “yes”. He was then asked whether he was the holder of a firearm licence and reportedly answered “no”. Francis was arrested and escorted to the Karasabai Police Station along with the seized firearm.
