Three men, who were earlier this week allegedly busted with over two kilograms of cocaine by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), were on Friday hurled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the offence.
Charged for the offence of trafficking narcotics are 48-year-old Deopaul Gordeen of Lot 1155 Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE); 47-year-old Mohammed Inshan of Zeelugt, EBE, and Amit Kumar,41, a machine operator of Lot 275 Tuschen, EBE.
The charge against the men alleged that on July 23, at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), they had in their possession 2.64 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The trio denied the charge after it was read to them.
CANU Prosecutor Narissa Leander stated that on the day in question, ranks attached to CANU were conducting an observance exercise when they saw the number one defendant (Gordeen) handing over the suspected cocaine to the number two defendant (Inshan), who then gave same to the number three defendant (Kumar). Kumar subsequently placed the illegal drug in the car.
According to the prosecutor, soon afterwards, ranks approached the defendants and conducted a search on the vehicle and the drug was found concealed in a plastic bag inside of a lunch bag. The trio was arrested and taken to the CANU office, where they were questioned.
Leander further informed the court that there is video evidence of the handing over process.
Attorney-at-Law Damion Dasilva represented Gordeen while Inshan and Kumar were represented by attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Marcel Bobb respectively. Each attorney requested that their clients be released on reasonable bail, noting that they are not a flight risk.
However, the prosecution objected to bail citing the penalty the offence attracts and the prevalence of same.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded the men to prison and adjourned the matter to August 12, 2019, at the Leonora Magistrate Court.
