Ex-Jamaat man in court for firearm

Salim Alexis, aka Salim Rasheed, 36, and Adil Ghani, 37, a former member of the Jamaat-al-Muslimeen, appeared before Magistrate Joanne Connor in the Tunapuna First Court, where the indictable charge was read to them. According to the charge, both men were held with a firearm, namely a Glock, in their possession at Pasea Street, Tunapuna, on October 13. Another charge read that on the same day, Alexis and Ghani were also found to have 12 rounds of ammunition in their possession. After the facts were read to the court by the police prosecutor, the weapon and ammunition were both marked and tendered as evidence to be sent to the Forensic Science Centre for analysis.

Before proceeding with the matter any further, the police prosecutor immediately objected to bail for the accused, informing Connor that the proper addresses of both accused were not known to the police.

"My information is that both accused have pending matters before the court, matters which are for similar offences. I am objecting to bail on this note, Your Worship," said the police prosecutor.

PC Marvin Pinder, who charged the accused, told the court that tracings for both men had not yet been made available.

Both Alexis and Ghani will reappear in court today, when the results of their tracing will be revealed to the court.