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US-based maid indicted for cocaine in fish
A United States-based maid who was nabbed on board an outgoing flight destined for New York was yesterday brought before the courts to be indicted for drug trafficking following the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine concealed in fish.
Accused Drug Trafficker: Joyce Ram De Cuhna
Joyce Ram De Cuhna, a Guyanese national, was allegedly found by Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) with 3.498 kilogrammes of cocaine intended for drug trafficking concealed in seasoned fish at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday, May 28.
Following the bust, De Cuhna was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for her first appearance.
When the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking was read to her, she pleaded not guilty but the court presided over by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ordered her held until June 2.
De Cuhna’s case is being prosecuted by Special Prosecutor Oswald Massiah (attached to CANU).
He explained that the 54-year-old woman who resides in an apartment at Lot 55 East 99th Street, New York, New York, was an outgoing passenger on BW524 destined for J. F. K International Airport, USA when she was intercepted.
Massiah explained that at the time, she had already checked in two suitcases and had already boarded the aircraft.
He said that acting on information received, De Cuhna was approached by a CANU officer and subsequently invited off the flight.
Massiah said that when questioned the accused admitted that the two pieces of luggage had passed through. He further claimed that she had even described it for the officer.
The Prosecutor claimed that she produced “keys” that could not open the larger suitcases, so the officer had to pry it open in order to conduct a search.
According to the Prosecutor, when the larger suitcase was opened it revealed another suitcase concealed therein.
He said when the officer checked that suitcase, he found five packets wrapped with newspaper which contained fish, each wrapped and stitched. Inspecting the fish further, the officer noticed foil wrap which when further pierced revealed a whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine, the Prosecutor said.
Massiah said that De Cuhna told the officer that someone by the name of “Fine Man” gave it to her to transport to another individual.
She was arrested and transported to CANU headquarters where a further probe revealed yet another fish contained in the other suitcase with the illicit substance hidden inside.
Massiah noted that while seasoning was found in the smaller suitcase, not a single piece of clothing was found amongst her belongings.
The Prosecutor said that she was cautioned, told of the offence, and the charge was subsequently instituted against her. He said that further investigations will be conducted since her travel documents reveal that she made a trip to Guyana on March 9 and left on March 15.
De Cuhna was unrepresented by legal counsel. She told the court that she resides in the US and works as a “home help.” She said too that while in Guyana, she stayed at First Street, Alexander Village.
After the short hearing, the Chief Magistrate remanded her to prison. The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court where it will engage the attention of Magistrate Leron Daly next Monday (June 2).
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