Special Constables remanded over drug trafficking conspiracy

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Two Special Constables stationed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a narcotics charge.

Jermaine Bristol, 29, of Lot 20-34 Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown and Barbara Jacobs, 53, of Lot 200 Prospect, East Bank Demerara both pleaded not guilty to the charge on Monday, January 19.

It is alleged that on November 17, 2014 at the airport they conspired with Anthony Collins and other person (s) unknown to traffic a quantity of cocaine.

It was further alleged that between August 1 and October 31, 2014 at Stabroek, Georgetown Bristol conspired with Anthony Collins and other person (s) unknown to traffic a quantity of cocaine. He pleaded not guilty.

Police Prosecutor, Bharat Mangru explained that Wilton Sinclair, an American citizen left Guyana on November 17, 2014 and was intercepted by authorities at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) after they discovered that he had cocaine concealed in rum.

As a result, an investigation was launched here. When the footage at CJIA was reviewed, the two Special Constables were seen operating in a “manner contrary to duty.”

The Prosecutor said they were both taken for questioning and Bristol admitted that he was paid twice to pass the cocaine in rum.

According to Mangru, Bristol said that he paid Jacobs to do same but when questioned the woman admitted to passing two duty free bags but denied knowing it contained cocaine. They were later charged.

Bristol was represented by Attorney-at-Law Gordon Gilhuys who said his client has been in custody since last Wednesday, well in excess of the allowed 72 hours.

The lawyer claims that Bristol was badly beaten by a Police Sergeant (name given) and had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by a Constable. He said that his client knows nothing of a drug trafficking conspiracy and contended that the confession statement was not freely and voluntarily given.

Meanwhile, Attorney-at-Law Folio Richards represented Jacobs. She said her client has been a member of the Force for the past two years and is known for her impeccable character.

The lawyer said the police are currently in possession of her passport and she has no intentions to flee since she intends to fight the case and clear her name. She asked for reasonable bail.

Bail was objected to by Mangru, who said that although reasons were advanced by the lawyers, none were special as prescribed in the anti-narcotics Act.

The Chief Magistrate ordered the Prosecution to investigate the allegations into the alleged beating. Bail was refused and the case will be called again on January 26 for report.