2 men remanded; 1 granted bail in $500M cocaine bust

Two men were remanded to prison and a third granted bail on Friday in connection with a cocaine trafficking probe involving more than 11 kilograms (kg) of the illicit substance, after appearing before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Colin Alfred, a 47-year-old resident of 1415 Westminster, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and 28-year-old Terrence Bentinck of Lot ‘M’ 52 Guyhoc Gardens, Georgetown were jointly charged with trafficking 11.148 kg of cocaine, allegedly discovered during a Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) operation on Sussex Street, Georgetown.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Jason Defreitas of Lot 752 Phase 2, North Farm, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was charged separately for aiding in the commission of the offence. Alfred pleaded guilty with an explanation, while Bentinck and Defreitas entered not-guilty pleas to the charge, which alleges the trio committed the offence on May 7, 2025.
In his address to the court, Alfred claimed he had no knowledge of the contents of a black bag handed to him by an unidentified man while he was working on a boat in Port Kaituma. He said he was instructed to take the bag to Georgetown and hand it over to Bentinck. However, he was intercepted by CANU ranks before completing the delivery.
“CANU roll up and said nobody move, lie down on the ground. We was searched and I throw the bag in the car that Bentinck arrived in… I ask if they can give me lil time because I have my money in my pocket. They took the money and said is Government state, so I say it can’t be Government state is my money. I had a total of $518,000,” Alfred told the court.

According to CANU, officers acting on intelligence observed Alfred walking along Sussex Street carrying a black bag. He was reportedly seen approaching a silver Toyota Allion with license plate PAJ 8554, which was parked roadside. Alfred then allegedly handed the bag to Bentinck before both men were approached by officers and informed that a search would be conducted.
During the search, CANU reportedly found multiple parcels inside the bag. A small incision made into one of the packages revealed a white, powdery substance suspected to be cocaine. Alfred and Bentinck were immediately arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters, where the substance tested positive for cocaine. The total weight was confirmed at 11.148 kg. Samples were sealed, marked, and lodged.
While in custody, Alfred allegedly told investigators that he had been paid $400,000 by Defreitas to deliver the cocaine to Georgetown, and that Bentinck had contacted him to collect the shipment. When questioned about the allegations, Bentinck reportedly exercised his right to remain silent.
Alfred added that he believed the payment from Defreitas was simply to purchase beers, which he claimed was a routine gesture.
Bentinck was represented in court by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson, who requested bail, arguing that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence tying his client to the offence. He told the court that video surveillance and CANU body camera footage would show that Bentinck was not in possession of the bag at the time of the bust. “The officers searched his phone and person, and nothing was found linking him to any narcotic transaction,” the attorney submitted.
However, the prosecution strongly objected to bail, asserting that Alfred had directly implicated both co-accused during the operation. They contended that body camera footage would show Bentinck holding the black bag at the time of the search.
Defreitas, who was not present during the drug bust, later turned himself in to authorities after seeing a wanted bulletin. He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, who sought bail on his behalf, noting that his client voluntarily surrendered and no drugs were found in his possession. Dhurjon said Defreitas offered no confession and exercised his right to remain silent.
Still, the prosecution maintained its objection, citing the gravity of the offence and the belief that Defreitas played a key role in facilitating the trafficking attempt. They noted his “body language and reaction” upon being informed of the charge were taken into account.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Alfred and Bentinck were remanded to prison until May 12, 2025. Defreitas was released on $500,000 bail with strict conditions, including reporting to CANU Headquarters on the first and third Fridays of every month between 9:00h and 18:00h. His court date is also May 12.