Duo remanded over $1.7M drug bust

Andrew Carew, otherwise known as ‘Daddo’, 42, of Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and Rayanthony Persaud, called ‘Tony’, 47, of Victoria Avenue, Eccles, EBD, were on Thursday arraigned before Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrate Sunil Scarce on a string of drug trafficking charges to which they have pleaded not guilty.
It is alleged that on March 22, at New Diamond Housing Scheme, ECD, Persaud had 5.754 kilogrammes of marijuana in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.
The two charges that Carew, on the other hand, faces accuse him of supplying Persaud with illicit drugs, and trafficking 530 grammes of marijuana at his home.
On the day in question, ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), conducting an intelligence-led operation at New Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD, observed Persaud sitting inside a car that was parked outside of a house. Persaud then exited the vehicle and went over to a parked vehicle that was being driven by Carew. He collected a box from Carew and went into a house.
At that point, CANU ranks intercepted the men and took possession of the box, which contained a quantity of marijuana carrying a street value of $1.7M.
Carew also took the CANU ranks to his home, where they retrieved a parcel of marijuana.
CANU Prosecutor Attorney-at-Law Thalia Thompson, objecting to the duo being released on bail, has cited the nature, gravity, and penalty attached to the offences.
Persaud was represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva, while Carew was represented by Attorney-at-Law Konyo Sandiford.
Relying on the defence of multiple occupancy, the lawyers petitioned the court for their clients to be released on reasonable bail.
Da Silva contended that his client was given a “box of tools” to store, and had no knowledge that narcotics were hidden at the bottom of the container.
Magistrate Scarce, after listening to submissions from both sides, remanded the men to prison, noting that no special reasons were raised by their respective counsels for the men to be placed on bail. The case continues on May 12. (G1)