Another Guyanese has been nabbed in the US attempting to smuggle drugs into that country, this time in curry and rice.
According to Special Agent David Schrader of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Oral Caines was found with 19.2 kilogrammes of cocaine contained in his luggage at the JFK International Airport on Wednesday last.
Schrader, in a sworn affidavit seen by this newspaper, said Caines arrived on a Caribbean Airlines flight and at the time he was in possession of three bags, including two checked-in suitcases and one carry-on duffle bag.
The lawman said that during standard examination questions, Caines claimed ownership of the three bags and their contents.
The bags were opened and an officer found a red curry container in his luggage. Under a layer of curry, a plastic bag was found.
Caines was then escorted to a private examination area where further inspection of his luggage revealed six red plastic containers of curry and two plastic containers of rice. Each container, Schrader said, in addition to the rice and curry had packages containing a white powdery substance concealed inside. The substance field tested positive for the presence of cocaine.
When questioned, Caines told the investigators that he knew he was transporting cocaine and that he was promised US$5000 to take the drugs to the US.
Caines has since appeared before Magistrate Judge Roanne L Mann who ordered him detained. He is represented by state lawyer Michael Schneider.
Caines is just another in a long list of Guyanese who have been busted with cocaine in the US recently, which once again shines the spotlight on the seemingly lax security arrangements at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. Cocaine has been found in milk powder and concealed in hardcover books among other items.
