Two men accused of carrying out an armed robbery at a beverage depot in East Canje, Berbice, during which a businessman reportedly lost more than $9.3 million in cash, were remanded to prison on Thursday.
The accused, Lofon Humphrey, 27, of Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, and Ravandra Bissessar, 20, known as “Boy,” of Bun Bush Dam, East Canje, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.
The charge alleges that on October 10, 2026, at No. 2 Village, East Canje, the men, while in the company of others and armed with dangerous weapons, robbed businessman Jagnarine Persaud, called “Balram,” of $7.5 million in Guyana currency and US$8,000, equivalent to approximately $1.84 million.
The accused were required to plead to the indictable charge.
During the bail application, Attorney-at-Law Akim Lampkin, who represented Bissessar, argued that the seriousness of an allegation should not, on its own, be used to impose punishment before the matter is determined by the court. He also submitted that there was no evidence to suggest that his client would flee or fail to attend future court proceedings.
However, Police Prosecutor Sergeant Collin Clarke objected to bail, alleging that a firearm was used during the robbery and informing the court that both accused had admitted to the offence. The prosecutor further stated that the case file was complete and that Humphrey had previous matters involving minor offences.
After considering the submissions, Magistrate Matthias denied bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations, and remanded both men to prison.
They are expected to return to court on October 26, 2026.
DETAILS OF THE ROBBERY
The alleged robbery occurred at approximately 19:30 hours while Persaud was attending to business at his beverage depot.
According to reports, three masked men entered the premises, where the businessman was in the cashier area on the lower flat of the building.
Persaud’s five-year-old son was reportedly in the yard at the time, while several customers were also outside the business.
The perpetrators allegedly demanded cash, and when Persaud indicated that he had no additional money to hand over, one of the men reportedly threatened to shoot him.
The men also allegedly threatened other persons who were present.
Persaud subsequently handed over the keys to another cash drawer, allowing the perpetrators to escape with the money.
The suspects were reportedly armed with a handgun, a baseball bat and a cutlass.
The allegations are expected to be addressed as the court proceedings continue.
