[www.inewsguyana.com] – Twenty – seven – year old Amriah Persaud charged with trafficking narcotics was remanded to prison on Wednesday, March 04 by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
Persaud of lot 28 Second Street Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on March 01 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, East Bank Demerara, she had in her possession 2.566 kilogrammes of cocaine .
Persaud was allegedly busted with the cocaine as she was about to board a Flight Jamaica flight, destined to America.
She was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Jad Vasconcellos, who told the Court that his client was transporting a package given to her by someone.
The mother of one was intercepted with the cocaine concealed in the said black suitcase that was allegedly given to her by Mark Sawyers.
She was also denied bail and the matter was also transferred to Providence Magistrates’ Court on March 9.
Meanwhile, 25 – year – old Sawyers of Lot 521 Dazzle Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara was remanded to prison by the same Magistrate.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on February 28, at Mandela Avenue, he was in possession of 2.566 kilos of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
His Lawyer, Pamela De Santos, declared that her client was not found with cocaine, as she told the Court that the police arrived at his residence, cut through his grill and broke his door down to gain entry.
According to the Lawyer, a search of the premises turned up empty. The Court also heard that the sole purpose of the defendant being arrested is due to the fact that he was fingered in the cocaine bust.
Custom Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor, Oswald Messiah, said Sawyer made arrangements with a female to take a suitcase and a laptop to the United States.
He also allegedly bought the ticket for her and gave her $50,000 to shop, after which she bought a pink suitcase. The Court heard that he took away the suitcase from her and replaced it with a black one.
The defendant’s name was mentioned to the police and a search was launched at his home where they found the pink suitcase. The Defence Counsel said her client does not know the woman.
Bail was refused until March 09 and the matter was transferred to Providence Magistrates’ Court.
