The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police, has informed RTC News that Gino Bernadin of Five Cays, Providenciales was sentenced to seven (7) years of imprisonment having been found guilty of CARRYING FIREARM and CARRYING AMMUNITION on Wednesday 17th May 2022.
The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on May 15th, 2022. The investigation revealed that on Sunday 15th May 2022, the Criminal Investigations Department (Special Patrol Team) was conducting patrols in Grace Bay, Providenciales.
Acting on information received, at around 12:57 a.m. in the vicinity of Shisha Longue, the officers had cause to stop a black Nissan March vehicle occupied by Mr. Bernadin and a female.
As officers approached the vehicle, it was observed that Mr. Bernadin threw a black and silver object resembling a firearm on the ground.
Upon inspection, the object was identified as a Taurus Ranger pistol, which contained FOURTEEN (14) rounds of 9mm ammunition in the magazine and ONE (1) 9mm round in the chamber.
Mr. Bernadin was arrested and charged with the offenses. He appeared in the Supreme Court in March 2023, for trial.
Superintendent in charge of the Serious Crimes Unit Dean Holden said: “Officers in the Criminal Investigation Department should be proud of the hard work and professionalism executed that resulted in this conviction. We must continue working together alongside the public to keep the Turks and Caicos Islands safe. I urge anyone with information on illegal activities to call the nearest Police Station or 911”.
