CANU cracks down on guns, drugs; 3 charged

A series of anti-narcotics operations conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) has resulted in multiple arrests and charges for drug trafficking, following interdictions in both Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Georgetown, Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica). Reports are that on Friday while acting on intelligence, CANU ranks conducted an operation at a residence located in the Tabatinga Housing Scheme, Lethem.
During the search, officers discovered a parcel containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. The cannabis weighed 1.6 kilograms (kg). The occupant, Elton D’Aguair, was arrested and taken to the CANU Lethem Office. In a separate operation on the same day, CANU officers intercepted an individual in the vicinity of the Royal Hotel on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. A search of the suspect, Olrick Fingal, led to the discovery of eight parcels containing suspected cannabis, a CZ pistol, and 19 live rounds of ammunition. The seized narcotic weighed 3.810 kg.
Following these operations, three individuals appeared before Magistrates in various courts on Monday where they were formally charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Elton D’Aguair appeared before Magistrate Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded not guilty to the offence and was remanded to prison. The case will continue on June 27. Olrick Fingal appeared before Magistrate Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. He also pleaded not guilty and was remanded. The case will continue on June 16. Meanwhile, Travon Chapelle, facing a separate charge involving 1.034 kg of cannabis, appeared before Magistrate George at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison. His case will continue on June 27.