GPS denies unlawful release of convicted drug trafficker

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has refuted claims circulating on social media that convicted drug trafficker, Zanneel Williams was released unlawfully. This clarification came after a photo of Williams attending a recent cricket match surfaced online, with a prominent social media figure questioning the legitimacy of her release.

In statement, the GPS asserted, “Prisoner Zanneel Williams was granted bail by the Court of Appeal on July 7, 2023, in the sum of $400,000, which was paid, leading to her lawful release. Any suggestion that she was released illegally is categorically false.”
Williams had been sentenced in February 2023 to four years in prison and fined $14 million for trafficking 9.628 kg of cocaine. Her appeal for bail was granted pending the hearing of her case.
The GPS further stated, “We urge the public not to circulate incorrect information about prisoners and the management of the prison system. If clarification is needed, they should contact the Director of Prisons directly.”
The director of prisons added, “We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. The GPS follows the law, and we expect the same from all our staff and the public.”
Williams, a former media worker, was arrested at Cheddi Jagan International Airport on April 22, 2022, when a significant quantity of cocaine was discovered in her hand luggage as she attempted to board a JetBlue flight to New York. A further search revealed more cocaine strapped to her body. The total amount of narcotics seized was valued at over GY$5 million, though it could have fetched US$300,000 on the streets of the United States.
Despite her initial guilty plea, Williams later reversed it, opting for a trial before again pleading guilty in February 2023. She appealed her sentence, with her legal team arguing that the four-year term was excessive.
In addition to Williams, two other individuals were charged in connection with the drug bust, including a Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer and a Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officer. Both were released on $750,000 bail after pleading not guilty. Williams remains on bail while awaiting the outcome of her appeal. (G9)