Several people were held yesterday after ranks of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) unearthed an unmarked suitcase with four kilogrammes of cocaine hidden inside at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, CANU boss James Singh confirmed last evening.
The details of the find are sketchy but according to the information reaching Stabroek News, alert ranks saw the suitcase which did not have a name tag on a luggage bin. A subsequent check unearthed four cocaine bricks wrapped in black plastic.
A source told this newspaper that a ramp attendant, who is considered to be the prime suspect, is among several persons in custody.
The source said it is unclear where the drugs were destined but it is suspected that the suitcase was to be placed on an outgoing flight. At this point, the source said, it is unclear which flight.
Over the last few years drug smugglers have attempted to get cocaine onto airplanes in various fashions. Drugs have been hidden in unmarked suitcases, in the walls of suitcases, in rum, in vegetables, in condoms among other things.
This latest bust comes on the heels of five others over the last week. A total of six Americans, male and female, were intercepted separately at the airport with cocaine filled condoms stashed in their groins while preparing to board flights to the USA. They were all charged.
