Three men, who the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) says it intercepted during a drug deal at Parika after trading almost five pounds of cocaine, were yesterday all remanded to prison on a joint charge of possession of cocaine for trafficking.
Deopaul Goordeen, a fisherman, of 1145 New Housing Scheme, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, Mohamed Inshan, 47, an electrician of 49 Back Street North, Old Scheme, Zeelugt East, and Amit Kumar, 41, a machine operator, of 275 Jai Dam, Tuschen, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown.
The charge against them states that on July 23rd, at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, they trafficked 2.264 kilogrammes (equivalent to 4.991 pounds) of cocaine.
They all pleaded not guilty.
According to CANU Prosecutor Narissa Leander, on the day in question, ranks conducted surveillance exercises along the Parika Public Road. It was during this exercise that Goordeen was observed handing over a bulky black bag to Inshan, who then handed the bag to Kumar, who placed it in the backseat of a parked car. The defendants then left the location in two vehicles, which were later intercepted by CANU ranks. In the vehicle driven by Inshan, a black bag was found in lunch bag, containing two brick-like objects, which tested positive for cocaine.
Leander also noted that Inshan gave oral statements in which he admitted ownership and knowledge of the cocaine. It was further noted that there is video footage of the handing over of the drug. As a result, she objected to the defendants being granted bail.
While Goordeen was represented by attorney Damien DaSilva, both Inshan and Kumar were represented by attorneys Siand Dhurjon and Marcelle Bobb. Bail applications were made on behalf of each defendant by their respective attorneys. Having heard from the attorneys and the prosecutor, the Chief Magistrate remanded the trio and adjourned the matter until August 12th, when it is expected to be heard at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.
