Quarry operator seeks return of seized property

Prominent businessman Danny Guerra, along with 14 other individuals, appeared in court for the first time following charges related to the unlawful processing of aggregate without a license from the Ministry of Energy. Guerra, 50, the proprietor of DG Homes and manager of D Guerra Ltd, was among 17 people detained during a significant police operation on October 9. The operation targeted an alleged illegal quarry in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, resulting in the seizure of a multi-million-dollar washplant, trucks, excavators, and other heavy machinery. Guerra’s son, Garvin Guerra, 28, was also among those detained. The group, which includes Carminco Ltd supervisor Hannah Bovell, several truck drivers, and foreign nationals, was granted $50,000 bail on October 11, though three foreign nationals remain in custody due to their inability to access bail. Magistrate Avoinne Gill upheld the existing bail terms. Police informed the court that their investigation remains incomplete, requesting two months for the Director of Public Prosecutions to assign state counsel. Defence attorneys objected to the delay, prompting the court to order interim disclosure by October 24. Volumetric testing of materials from the site is still pending. Attorney Dayadai Harripaul, representing Guerra, indicated her client’s intent to seek High Court relief for the release of seized property, urging the police to return the equipment. The group faces charges under Section 45(1)(a) of the Minerals Act for processing minerals without a license at Lot A, San Carlos Estate, Manuel Congo. The case is set to resume on November 11.