[www.inewsguyana.com] – The case against Canadian based Nazir Khan, who was charged with smuggling Twa Twa birds to Canada, was today dismissed by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine – Beharry.
The Court informed the defendant that the chapter of the Criminal Law Offences Act does not cover the Twa Twa species.
Yesterday, Khan pleaded guilty to the offence which alleged that on June 13 at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri East Bank Demerara, he was exporting 22 Twa Twa birds without obtaining a permit or a certificate from the Management Authority.
Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, told the Court that the defendant was an outgoing passenger on flight BW606 destined to Canada. During a procedural check in his hand luggage, a number of small whistling birds were found in hair curlers.
The unrepresented defendant told the Court that he was unaware that he had to get a permit to transport the birds. He apologized and told the Court that the birds were for his personal amusement.
He was placed on $75,000 bail and told to return to Court today, where the charges were dismissed.
