The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A PROSECUTOR called the possession of weapons seized during a major firearm bust in Bain Town last week an “act of war”, while the lawyer for the two men charged with the offence described them as “pillars of the community”.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby arraigned Bernard Miller, 43, and Raymond Miller, 36, on 16 charges that included three counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, three counts of possession of ammunition with intent to supply, possession of unlicensed firearms with intent to supply, three counts of possession of ammunition, six counts of possession of component parts of a firearm, and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Prosecutors allege that during a raid at the defendants’ residence on Rupert Dean Lane on March 5, police seized several firearms, including a black and brown Micro Draco AK-47, a black AR-15 rifle, a green and black American Tactical rifle, a black Glock 19 9mm pistol, and a black Herstal Belgium FN pistol. The police also seized ammunition, including 58 7.62 rounds, 123 .223 rounds, 37 5.7 rounds, 15 9mm rounds, one .380 round, 11 .45 rounds, as well as a black drum magazine, an extended magazine, a banana clip magazine, a speed loader, a homemade magazine, three black suppressors, and a quantity of marijuana.

The defendants were not required to enter a plea at this stage. They were informed that the case would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie objected to the defendants’ bail, citing public safety concerns. One of the defendants asked why the officer had objected, but was advised by his attorney to stop speaking.

ASP McKenzie explained that assault rifles had been frequently used in recent murders, adding that the weapons found in the raid could be linked to ongoing investigations. He described the possession of such weapons as an “act of war” and argued that granting bail could pose a threat to the defendants’ safety.

Defence attorney Gary Russell countered the prosecutor’s statement, arguing that it was an unfair characterisation of his clients. He described the Miller brothers as “pillars of society”, emphasising their contributions to and respect within the Bain Town community.

Russell insisted the pair were not criminals, had no gang affiliations, and posed no threat. He said the defendants had even built the bars used in the courthouse and several police stations.

The defendants were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until March 24 when their bail hearing will take place. They will return to court for service of their VBI on May 29.

Before being taken into remand, the defendants exchanged words with family members present in court.