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CANU security guards charged for stealing cocaine from drug bust
Two security guards attached to the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) appeared before a city
Teon Ambrose
Magistrate yesterday to answer charges stemming from the disappearance of cocaine that was in their protection, following a drug bust at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
Teon Ambrose, 51, of Lot 954 Sophia and Kevin Dickie, 26, of 199 Lodge Housing Scheme, were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded not guilty to charges of larceny.
Particulars of the charges stated that on April 6, at Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, they stole eight parcels of cocaine, valued $936,000, from the possession of CANU officers.
They were released on $350,000 bail each and will return to court on May 7.
According to Assistant Superintendant of Police (ASP) Stephen Telford, on the day in question, the CANU conducted a narcotics exercise at Diamond, on the East Bank of Demerara. As a result of the exercise, a large quantity of cocaine was unearthed and four persons were arrested and charged for drug trafficking.
Telford further related that personnel from the drug unit took possession of the narcotics and lodged it at CANU Headquarters on Homestretch Avenue.
He added that 428 parcels were taken from the home after the raid was conducted. During processing sometime later, officers discovered that eight parcels were missing.
The two defendants, who were reportedly on duty when the drugs were lodged, were questioned but both denied the allegation.
Attorney, Latchmie Rahamat who represented Dickie noted that her client’s home was searched and the police were unable to find the narcotics. She pointed out that Dickie has been cooperating with the police investigation.
Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat while making a bail application on behalf of Ambrose told the court that the Prosecution is unable to prove their case as it relates to showing possession by his client. “All he does is open the gate,” Fung-A-Fat affirmed.
Likewise, Rahamat argued that the prosecution is not being forthright. She pleaded with the Magistrate not to draw any conclusions from the Prosecution’s “short facts.”
Telford contradicted the submissions made by both Attorneys. He asserted that the prosecution is basing their case against Ambrose on the fact that he was caught having a conversation with Dickie after which Ambrose opened the gate for him to exit the compound.
He explained that the Dickie was caught on CCTV camera removing the articles mentioned in the charge. He said that the footage retrieved, showed Dickie leaving the guard hut to go to the freezer in which the cocaine was being stored and spending some time there.
He also stated that Dickie was seen leaving the freezer with a bag in his hand, while adding that he (Dickie) went to the other defendant (Ambrose) who opened the gate for him to exit the compound. Dickie then transported the alleged cocaine to an unknown location before resuming duties.
The matter was reported and the CCTV footage was shown to the two accused. Telford informed the court that the men admitted to being on the footage but denied being anywhere near the freezer.
Attorney Fung-A-Fat contended that his client never displayed any suspicious behaviour nor did he give a confession. He argued that many other persons have access to the freezer.
Attorney Latchmie Rahamat also indicated that the prosecution is unable to state the number of persons that left the compound during the period. She attested that the video never showed her client leaving the compound with a bag.
Both Defence Attorneys submitted that their clients have unblemished records and does not pose a risk of flight.
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