Goldsmith Richard Ramjit, who had over $4M in jewellery seized from him at the Cheddi Jagan airport, Timehri in January, was yesterday charged with exporting gold without a licence and falsifying a declaration form.
Ramjit, 36, of Lot 4 Bissoon Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, was granted his release on $100,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The charges state that on January 19, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, Ramjit had in his possession in excess of US$10,000 and knowingly falsified a declaration document while he was an outgoing passenger at the airport. It is also alleged that on the same date he had in his possession 19.1 ounces of gold, valued at $4,150,000, without being the holder of an exporting licence.
According to Ramjit’s attorney, Latchmie Rahamat, who made the bail application on his behalf, a High Court motion was already filed by attorney Anil Nandlall challenging whether the two charges can be proceeded with in the court. She said that the matter was adjourned until April 14 in the High Court.
Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones had no objections to granting bail to Ramjit.
Ramjit was subsequently granted bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who adjourned the proceedings until April 20th for report.
Ramjit had previously told this newspaper that he and his family have been embarrassed by the entire ordeal and he insisted that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), which intercepted him at the airport, has no evidence to substantiate their charges. Ramjit said on the day of the incident he was approached by a person who identified themselves as a Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit agent and he was questioned and searched. He said the officer had accused him of smuggling jewellery that he had made for himself five years ago. He further alleged that the officer wanted to settle the matter in exchange for not seizing the jewellery.
In light of the matter, Nandlall had filed a $10 million lawsuit against the government on the claim that his client’s fundamental rights and freedoms were breached. In the action, he stated that his client was never requested by customs to declare the jewellery since it wasn’t necessary because he was wearing it.
