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Cocaine exporter remanded
Yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, a rank from the narcotics division of the Guyana Police
Darshanan Balram
Force (GPF) alleged that an exporter attempted to traffic a large quantity of cocaine to the United States of America (USA) via an Amerijet cargo plane.
Particulars of the charge stated that on March 19, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, Darshanan Balram had 40.4Kg of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Balram pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
Attorney Gordon Gilhuys informed the court that his client is 27 years of age and that he resides at 211 Albert Street, Bourda. Gilhuys argued that Balram had no knowledge of the drugs.
Inspector Michael Grant countered that on the day in question, around 13:00hrs, the defendant went to the CJIA, with a quantity of items to ship. The items included seasoning, mixed fruits and Chinese sauce. He said that the accused presented all the necessary shipping documents bearing his name to the authorities.
Grant added that the narcotics ranks, acting on information, went to the cargo van and told Balram of the information they received. They conducted a search among the items in his presence and stumbled upon a whitish substance concealed in the container containing the Chinese sauce.
The substance was suspected to be cocaine and the defendant was arrested and told of the offence.
Subsequently, the substance was weighed in his presence.
The prosecutor objected to bail citing the nature and gravity of the offence. He also noted that for the defendant to be released on bail, the court must be provided with special reasons; which Counsel failed to present.
After listening to the prosecution’s submission, Counsel informed the court that the police had a large quantity of US currency, in their possession for his client. He asked that the money be handed over to Balram.
The Magistrate then ordered the Prosecutor to look into Counsel’s claims then remanded Balram to prison.
His matter will be called again on April 8.
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