Suriname-based Guyanese busted with cocaine at CJIA remanded

Forty-two-year-old Tommy Ann Bunbury, a Suriname-based Guyanese who was on Monday intercepted by agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport was remanded to prison by a city magistrate on Thursday.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on November 23, 2020, she had 1.948 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. She appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
It was reported that the accused is a food vendor at downtown café Wiek Straat Paramaribo, Suriname, and resided at Condor Straat #1 Paramaribo. She hails from Lot 10 Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
The mother of seven has been residing in Suriname for the past six years and would periodically return to Guyana to fulfil immigration obligations.
On November 23, CANU officers carried out a search on the suspect, who was an outgoing passenger on an Eastern Airlines flight to JFK International Airport, New York.
During the search of Bunbury’s two suitcases and a carry-on, the cocaine was found concealed in a number of objects including a hardcover book, handbag, make-up kits, deodorants, nail polish covers, mascara, and permanent markers.
Upon the discovery of the illegal substance, the woman was cautioned, told of the offence, and arrested.
She and her belongings were subsequently transported to CANU’s headquarters where the illicit substance was extracted and weighed. Bunbury will return to court on December 23, 2020.