Latest update June 25th, 2026 9:38 AM
Canadian remanded for cocaine possession
A Canadian national who was apprehended at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for allegedly possessing 9.545 kilograms of cocaine in the false bottoms of his suitcases, made his first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court yesterday just two days after the drug bust.
Fifty eight-year-old Edward James pleaded not guilty to the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking but the court, presided over by Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ordered him remanded.
Edward James, Canadian charged
The prosecution team led by Corporal Bharat Mangru who briefed the court, stated that on January 7, James, who had two suitcases, was an in-transit passenger to Canada.
Mangru reported that around 13:45 hours, the suitcase was checked by a Customs Anti Narcotics Branch (CANU) officer who during the course of the inspection observed broken false bottoms on both pieces of luggage.
According to the prosecution, a large quantity of the illicit substance concealed in transparent bags was unearthed in the false bottoms of the suitcases.
The Prosecutor stated that when questioned by the CANU officer, the Canadian man denied having knowledge of the illegal drug. James was subsequently arrested and charged.
Representing the accused was Defence Attorney Marcel Bob who, in submitting his application for his client to be granted reasonable bail, stated that it was James’ first time in Guyana. He said that his client who suffers from hypertension and diabetes is not a flight-risk.
However, his application was met with objections from the Prosecution who argued that no special reasons for bail to be issued were raised by the Defence Attorney. He opined that James is a flight-risk who may not return to face the charges pressed against him since he has no ‘ties’ to Guyana.
The Chief Magistrate upheld the objections of the prosecution and James was refused a court bond and remanded to prison until January 13. The matter is set to be called before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Providence Magistrates’ Court.
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