A Canadian who allegedly had 1.548kg of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking was yesterday remanded to prison after he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
The allegation is that on September 30 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, Errol George Laird had in his possession 1.548kg of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
In presenting the facts CustomsAnti-Narcotics Unit Prosecutor Oswald Massiah told the court that the accused came to Guyana on Septem-ber 24 and was staying at a hotel in Subryanville. He said that on September 30 the defendant was returning to Canada via Trinidad. He had a suitcase which was scanned and a strange object was seen. Massiah stated that an order was made by the authorities to check the suitcase which was done in the man’s presence. He added that the substance was discovered in a false wall at the bottom of the suitcase.
The prosecutor also stated that they subsequently went to the hotel where the defendant was staying and another suitcase was discovered which contained the man’s clothing and other belongings.
Attorney Vic Puran who represented Laird asked that the accused be transferred to the Lusignan prison for his safety. The attorney also asked the court to take into consideration that the Canadian citizen was very cooperative with the police.
The man was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned until October 14.
