Tracy-Ann Todd, the South Ruimveldt woman who police say was arrested after failing to declare over $9 million when she landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), was yesterday charged with the crime.
Todd, 36, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown and pleaded not guilty to the charge that on May 4, at the CJIA, she brought into Guyana US$44,685 (more than $9 million) and failed to declare the money at the nearest immigration office.
Police had said in a press release that the woman failed to make a declaration upon arrival at the airport aboard a flight from St Lucia.
Persons at ports of entry are bound to declare any cash or jewellery in their possession that is valued US$10,000 or more.
Attorney Glenn Hanoman, who represented Todd, told the court that his client was a businesswoman, who supplies hardware and construction materials to various Caribbean countries.
Hanoman asked the court for bail for the mother of one, while Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore objected, saying that she was a flight risk.
Moore told the court that Todd was dishonest and did not declare the money to the relevant authorities. Instead, he said, the accused had tucked the money away among postcards and clothing.
The prosecutor later informed the court that the money, which was seized by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), is in police custody.
Chief Magistrate McLennan later set Todd’s bail at $150,000 and adjourned the proceedings until May 25, when a hearing is to be held at Court 2 in Georgetown.
