Two refused bail for Ireland-bound cocaine-in-ornaments

Last Updated on Tuesday, 8 July 2014, 20:44 by GxMedia

A man and a woman were Tuesday arraigned in connection with the attempted smuggling of more than 17 kilogrammes of cocaine in ornaments to Ireland.

Appearing before City Magistrate, Fabayo Azore; Gordon Plass of 224 Mocha Arcadia and Belinda Williams of 973 Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown pleaded not guilty to being in possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Bail was refused and they were ordered to return to court on July 28 for the commencement of their trial.

Police alleged that that on Monday, July 7 at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri East Bank Demerara, they had in their possession in excess of two grammes of cocaine for the purpose trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Steven Telford told the court that Williams  was at CJIA posting cargo which was destined for Dublin, Ireland aboard an AmeriJet flight. However, ranks conducted a field test on pieces of the ornaments that proved positive. A search eventually yielded 17.177 kilogrammes of cocaine, he said.

The prosecutor said at the moment they were extracting more of the illicit substance and that more charges were likely to be instituted.

 Telford said that Williams, under caution, told the ranks that she was given the box by Plass to post. But after questioning Plass, he also told the ranks that he was given it by someone.

Telford said that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the original owner. Based on those circumstances, he requested that bail be denied for both defendants.

Telford also informed the Court that since he is known to Plass he would no longer be prosecuting the matter.

The Prosecutor added that Plass was previously convicted in Barbados on a similar matter and there are six witnesses in the matter.

Williams was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Patrice Henry. Plass was unrepresented.