14-year-old busted with cocaine in suitcase handles
Cora Towler, the mother of the 14-year-old who was busted with cocaine concealed in the handles of his suitcase, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined almost $3 million after admitting to the court that she was guilty of the charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
Towler appeared before City Magistrate Leron Daly.
Initially, the woman pleaded not guilty to the charge that stated on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), she was in possession of 1.4 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
In a court hearing on Wednesday, while the evidence was being tendered against the unrepresented woman, she indicated to the Magistrate that she would like to change her plea to guilty.
As such, her plea was changed and she admitted to the offence in tears.
A penitent Towler sobbed uncontrollably and pleaded with the court for leniency.
Moments before Magistrate Daly handed down her ruling, Towler sent prisoners in the dock scurrying as she threw up. She was subsequently fined $2,710,800.
Meanwhile, Ian Griffith, another relative of the lad who was also charged with Towler for the offence, is currently on remand pending the outcome of his trial before Magistrate Daly.
According to reports, the teenager was held following the discovery of the cocaine concealed in the handles of his suitcase while he was waiting to board a flight destined for New York at the CJIA, Timehri.
It was also stated that the teen was travelling alone, returning home after spending the August vacation in Guyana.
Upon the discovery of the cocaine, four persons, including the teen’s mother, were arrested.
