CANU ranks to testify in “cocaine in alleyway” matter

“Zipper” trial

Five ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) are expected to testify later this month about a cocaine interdiction operation that was carried out on Campbellville businessman Andre Gomes, called “Zipper”, on January 30, 2018 as his trial continues.
The well-known businessman appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on

Thursday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who transferred the matter to Magistrate Leron Daly.
The matter is expected to be called on April 26, 2018.
Gomes, 57, of Lot 32 Craig Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, was arraigned on a charge of trafficking cocaine after a search was carried out at his residence where a quantity of narcotics (992 grams of cocaine); a quantity of cash, jewellery and other valuables were seized.
During the hearing, Attorneys-at-Law Mark Waldron and Keoma Griffith made applications for bail for the businessman, who owns D&D Pawn Shop.
Attorney Waldron told the court that the cocaine was not found at his client’s premises, but in an alleyway next to the house.
However, CANU Prosecutor Konyo Thompson told the court that eyewitness accounts indicated otherwise. She noted, too, that no special reason was given to the court for Gomes to be released on bail.
The businessman was remanded to prison. Last year, CANU issued a wanted bulletin for the former murder accused in relation to nine kilograms of cocaine found in a gas cylinder.
The gas cylinder was discovered at an apartment which he rented for his 51-year- old girlfriend, Naomi Persaud.
Persaud was taken into custody with her teenage grandson. The woman and her 17-year-old grandson were accused of being in possession of nine kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking on August 6, 2017 at Lot 25 Delph Street, Campbellville, Georgetown. She pleaded guilty to the charges. As a result of her guilty plea, the charge was dismissed against the teen.
Persaud was jailed for four years and fined $21 million.