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Taxi driver compliments CANU officers then heads to jail
…after ‘coughing up’ accomplice
Yesterday, a 41-year-old man who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for the possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, related to the court that he would like to congratulate the officers at CANU (Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit) for the good work they are doing.
When Adrian Michael Park also known as “Parks” who resides at 1082 (B12) Pattensen, Turkeyen, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Beharry, many were shocked at how candid he was.
Andrew Michael Park
On Thursday, last, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the defendant had in his possession, 3.124 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. When confronted in court Park placed his right hand across his chest and said, “I am guilty.” The Chief Magistrate then explained to the defendant that the offence carries a minimum of three years’ imprisonment and a maximum of five years along with a fine of $30,000.
He was then asked if knowing this, he still wants to maintain his plea, and to this, the defendant said, “Yes your worship. I wish to maintain my plea.”
According to the Prosecution, on the said date, the defendant, who is a taxi driver, went to the Cheddi Jagan Airport to travel to New York via Caribbean Airlines on flight BW524. About 03:15 am, the defendant checked in a black suitcase and went to the departure lounge. At 04:30 am, C.A.N.U officers, after receiving information, approached Parks. The officers then asked him to identify his suitcase and requested to search it.
During the search, officers then found the illegal substance which they suspected to be cocaine at the bottom of the suitcase. The defendant was then taken for questioning. Parks told the officers that he has knowledge of it and added that the cocaine was given to him by someone to take to the U.S.A and that upon arrival someone would receive the case.
He added that when the drop would have turned out successful, he would receive US$5,000. The defendant was then cautioned and charged for the said offence.
“A guy name Odel who gave me the case tell me that the cocaine was baked into the material and guaranteed me that it would not be found. But when the officers showed me where it was, it was just sitting at the bottom of the case in its powdered form,” said Park.
Immediately, CANU got information that Obead Quail Brazilio of 36 John and Joseph Pollydore Streets, Lodge, Georgetown had knowledge of the cocaine. Brazilio was identified as a businessman and CANU wants anyone with information on the whereabouts of Brazilio to contact the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) on telephone Nos. 227-03507 or 226-0431
Meanwhile, in the wake of the arrest and seizure, the suitcase containing the narcotic was escorted to CANU headquarters where other information was also obtained.
Obead Brazilio
Adrian Park said that “this was not supposed to happen. I didn’t know that the cocaine was at the bottom of the suitcase. I am pleading with you; I have six kids and other financial difficulties that I am trying to get off my chest. I humbly apologize to my brotherhood and my sisterhood.
Park added that he cooperated with the officers completely and gave them all the information they needed.
Prosecutor Oswald Massiah told the court that investigations are still ongoing prior to the defendant’s arrest.
Taking into consideration, that the defendant has six children, two loans along with all the other facts that were presented to the court and the prevalence of the amount being trafficked, the Chief Magistrate then sentenced Park and ordered that he pays a fine of $30,000.
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