American social worker jailed for cocaine possession, Guyanese accomplice remanded

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 December 2015, 21:01 by GxMedia

DRUG CONVICT: Brianna Rodney leaving the Georgetown Magistrates' Court shortly after she was sentenced. — DRUG CONVICT: Brianna Rodney leaving the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court shortly after she was sentenced.

An American woman was jailed on Friday after she admitted to being in possession of more than four kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

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25-year old Brianna Rodney of 2121 Westbury, Brooklyn was convicted, jailed for four years and fined GUY$30,000.

“I am really sorry for what I did your worship and at this time I beg for your leniency,” the woman, who said she is a Social Worker, told the court. The woman said she attempted to smuggle the cocaine to New York because of financial troubles facing her and family.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry handed down the sentence after the woman admitted to committing the crime on July 3 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The 4.130 kilogrammes of cocaine in six packets were found in the false bottom of her suitcase by agents of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU).

The magistrate said she imposed the penalties on the woman, considering the aggravated circumstances, prevalence of the offence, quantity of cocaine and “the fact that you are remorseful and you are taking responsibility for your actions.”

While here, the woman stayed at Hotel Inn, Sheriff Street where she linked up with several persons with whom she arranged to carry the illicit substance.

Rodney’s accomplice, 24-year old Andre “Nick” Gustave- regarded by the prosecution as the mastermind of the crime- was remanded to prison until July 13 for report and fixture.

Gustave of Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge of being in possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He is a member of the Guyana Defence Force who is Absent Without Leave (AWOL).

CANU Prosecutor Oswald Massiah told the court that Gustavo played a key role in obtaining and delivering the suitcase containing the illegal substance and placing Rodney in a taxi that took her to the airport.

“CANU has taken the pains to ensure whatever rings or networks there are do not corrupt existing officers to prevent them from doing their jobs,” CANU’s Head, James Singh told Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com).

A former CANU officer and ex policeman are also implicated by Rodney in smuggling the cocaine.