A gold miner was charged with exporting gold without a licence after being held while trying to leave the country with a gold chain that weighed over 15 ounces via the Ogle International Airport.
Paul Persaud, 35, of Lot J 9946, Jackson Street, Tucville, was released on $100,000 bail yesterday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, after he pleaded not guilty.
It was alleged that in February he had in his possession 15.5888 ounces of gold, which is in excess of the amount that can be carried out of the country. The gold, in the form of a chain, as well as cash currency Persaud had on hand was seized by officials at Ogle Airport.
Persaud’s attorney cited his spotless record and full cooperation with the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) along with his role as a husband, and as a father to a four-year-old child when applying for bail.
The prosecutor offered no objection as the defendant is not considered a flight risk.
Persaud was also allowed to receive the cash currency that was seized after asking for its return, due to the fact that the money is not part of the investigation.
His trial is set for August 2 at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.
In April, a goldsmith, Richard Ramjit, who had over $4M in jewellery seized from him at the Cheddi Jagan airport, Timehri in January, was also charged with exporting gold without a licence.
