Mom, Canadian son on cocaine trafficking charges refused bail

Last Updated on Thursday, 10 July 2014, 19:12 by GxMedia

A Guyanese woman and her 19-year old Canadian son, who were arrested at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) shortly before they were due to leave Guyana, were Thursday arraigned on cocaine trafficking charges.

Esarbai Gokul,50, and Anand Gokul of Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara pleaded not guilty to separate charges of being in possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry refused the duo bail and remanded them to  custody until July 14, 2014 when they will appear before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore for report and fixtures.

Seven witnesses are expected to testify in the case.

The police facts of the case are that Anand Gokul on July 8 at CJIA had in his possession 5.282 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.  His mother allegedly had 5.221 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru told the court that about 1:00 PM Gokuls were outgoing passengers on a Caribbean Airlines flight to Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada.

Mangru said the cocaine was stashed in false bottoms of the suitcases that the mother and son were carrying. The Prosecutor said the Gokuls told investigators that they were paid by someone to take the illegal substance to Canada.

Defence Lawyer, Gordon Gilhuys told the court that his clients’ statements were not given freely and voluntarily.