Three persons were charged today with trafficking in narcotics in relation to the illegal landing of an aircraft at an unauthorised airstrip in Bashaizon Village, South Rupununi, Region 9, on 6th October 2024.
On 8th October 2024, the following individuals were arrested, and they were charged today:
** Robintaine Peixoto Saraiva, a 48-year-old Brazilian miner of Boa Vista, Brazil
** Hamlet Da Silva, a 53-year-old self-employed man of Bonfim, Brazil, and Achiwib Village, South Rupununi, Region 9
** Evander Phonix, a 27-year-old miner of Achiwib Village, South Rupununi, Region 9
The charges are as follows:
1. Phonix was charged with the offence of Trafficking in Narcotics, contrary to Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.
2. Da Silva and Saraiva were jointly charged with the offence of Trafficking in Narcotics, contrary to Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.
3. In addition, Saraiva was also charged with Illegal Entry, contrary to Section 34(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, Chapter 14:02.
The defendants appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court #5 before Magistrate Faith McGusty. The charges were read to them, and they pleaded not guilty.