Belize City man freed after court rules shell casings do not meet definition of ammunition

A Belize City man who was charged in connection with what police believed to be illegal ammunition is tonight a free man, after the court determined that the items in question did not meet the legal definition of ammunition.  Twenty-six-year-old Allister Reyes, a construction worker of Rasta Street, appeared unrepresented before the Chief Magistrate where he was read a single charge of keeping unlicensed ammunition. However, that charge was dismissed at arraignment after it was revealed that the items found in his possession were not live rounds, but expended shell casings.  The incident dates back to April 1, when police on mobile patrol along Regent Street intercepted a silver vehicle driven by Reyes. Officers reported that the vehicle matched one that had previously evaded them. Upon conducting a search of the vehicle, police say they discovered two gold-colored 9-millimeter casings under the driver’s seat, initially believed to be live ammunition. Reyes was subsequently detained and later charged.  In court, however, the Chief Magistrate sought clarification on the legal definition of ammunition under Chapter 143 of the Firearms Act of the Laws of Belize. The prosecution acknowledged that for an item to qualify as ammunition, it must constitute a complete round or its essential components, including the projectile, propellant, and primer.  In this case, the court found that expended shell casings, having already been discharged, do not meet that definition. As a result, the charge could not stand in law, and Reyes was freed. The court also raised concerns about the length of Reyes’ detention, noting that he had been held for several days before being brought before the court. While the prosecution indicated they were unaware of the extended detention, the issue was flagged during proceedings.  Reyes was advised by the court that the dismissal was based strictly on the legal definition of ammunition, and he was released without being required to enter a plea.