A PIARCO man charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition and marijuana trafficking earlier this month has challenged his detention by the police under the state of emergency regulations 2025.

Denesh Maharaj, who was detained by police and eventually became the subject of a preventative detention order, is challenging the legality of his detention in a case raising constitutional and judicial review claims against the police. He faces charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition under the emergency powers regulations and possession of narcotics for trafficking.

Maharaj seeks declarations that ASP Anthony St Clair’s September 27 order authorising his further seven-day detention was unlawful and breached his constitutional rights to liberty and due process under Sections 4(a), 4(b), and 5(2)(h) of the Constitution. He also seeks damages, including vindicatory damages, and costs.