A husband and wife were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon facing almost three dozen firearms related charges stemming from the recent seizure of a large cache of handguns and assorted ammunition in Freeport.

Rajiv and Katina Dames, 31 and 28 respectively, were taken before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt to answer to 28 counts of possession of a firearm with intent to supply, three counts of possession of ammunition with intent to supply and three counts of simple possession of ammunition. The crimes were alleged to have been committed on February 6 in Freeport, Grand Bahama when officers on mobile patrol observed a man who fled his vehicle when he saw them.

According to initial reports, he was later captured and returned to his vehicle, where an illegal firearm was discovered. Further investigation led police to a residence in the Freeport area, where a search warrant was executed and a number of firearms and ammunition were also discovered. Both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

It is alleged that they were found with five Glock 9mm pistols, a Taurus 9mm pistol, three Glock .40 pistols, 12 9mm magazines, three .380 magazines and four .40 magazines. It is also alleged that they were in possession of 751 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 176 rounds of .40 ammunition, 86 rounds of .380 ammunition, 18 rounds of .357 ammunition, 13 rounds of .32 ammunition and two rounds of .38 ammunition.

Mr. Dames was separately arraigned on motor vehicle charges concerning a 1993 Toyota Tercell. He was charges with driving without a license, driving an uninspected vehicle, driving without third party insurance and driving with dark tinted windows. The 31-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police prosecutor ASP Clifford Daxon requested that the firearm case be heard in Nassau. Ashley Evans, lawyer for the couple, objected on the basis that the matter occurred in Freeport and should be heard there. The chief magistrate said she would decide the location of the trial at a hearing on February 18. The question on whether or not bail could be considered for the accused also will be heard.

In a separate matter, Adriene Pratt, 24, of Explorers Way in Freeport was arraigned on a single charge of possession of ammunition. It is alleged that he was found with five live rounds of .357 ammunition. Pratt denies the allegation and returns to court in a week’s time.

By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter

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