Leonora taxi driver remanded on cocaine trafficking charge

A taxi driver from Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was on Friday remanded to prison after being charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Raul Binand appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The charge alleges that on Wednesday, June 11, at David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Binand was found in possession of 21.972 kilograms (kg) of cocaine with the intent to traffic. In court, Binand’s attorney argued that his client has no prior convictions and poses no flight risk. He explained that on the day in question, Binand was at work when he was flagged down by a customer who asked him to deliver a package to David Street.

The attorney further stated that as Binand completed the drop-off, a black vehicle arrived and individuals exited, approaching him. Believing he was about to be robbed, Binand attempted to flee the scene.
The court heard that the individuals who confronted Binand identified themselves as officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU). A search was conducted on Binand’s vehicle, during which the cocaine was discovered. He was cautioned and arrested at the scene. According to the prosecutor, the accused later made verbal statements at CANU headquarters that allegedly indicated knowledge of the narcotics. Additionally, investigators recovered phone messages between Binand and another arrested individual, further linking him to the offence.
The prosecutor opposed bail, citing the large quantity of narcotics, the fact that Binand was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and the risk of him fleeing the jurisdiction.
In response, Binand’s attorney contended that the court has no definitive record of what statements were made by his client at CANU and reminded the court that Binand is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
After considering both arguments, Magistrate Singh ruled that no special reasons were presented to justify bail. Binand was remanded to prison until the next hearing, which is set for July 11, 2025.