US Citizen busted with cocaine at CJIA remanded to prison

[www.inewsguyana.com] – A Jamaican national with US citizenship who was busted with cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was yesterday (January 07) remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Richard Daniels, 20, pleaded not guilty to the charge, particulars of which stated that on January 05, 2015 at the CJIA, he had in his possession 1.236 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor, Michael Grant said that on the day in question at about 22:05 hours, a party of police ranks headed by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Singh was conducting a Narcotics Eradication Exercise at the airport.

He said that at the time the 20-year-old was an outgoing passenger on Fly Jamaica flight OJ155 destined for Kingston, Jamaica. According to the Prosecutor, ASP Singh noticed Daniels acting in a suspicious manner and approached him.

After making a request, Singh conducted a physical search of Daniel’s suitcase in his presence. Grant said that 105 pellet-shaped objects wrapped in silver paper foil was found stashed in two bottles of lotion and two and a half pairs of socks.

Subsequently, a field test was conducted at CJIA which proved that the pellet-shaped objects were cocaine. Daniels was told of the offence and taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) where the illicit substance was weighed.

Attorney-at-Law Peter Hugh represented Daniels. Bail was objected to by the Prosecutor due to the nature and gravity of the offence.

Furthering his objections, Grant opined that Daniels is a flight risk who would not return for trial and added that for bail to be granted, special reasons must be advanced.

Bail was refused and Daniels will make his next Court appearance on January 20 before Magistrate Ann McLennan for report.