Latest update January 20th, 2025 4:00 AM
Canadian Nationals denied bail
Antonietta Saravalli
Giovanni Calagrese in brown and Jean-Claude Gauthier in white
Magistrate Hazel Octive Hamilton, yesterday, remanded four Canadian nationals on separate charges of attempting to export cocaine.
It was alleged that on May 12, Jean-Claude Gauthier, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport had in his possession 3.18 kilograms of cocaine with the intent to export. He pleaded not guilty.
Giovanni Calagrese and Ornella Saravalli, on that same day, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport allegedly had in their possession 3.181 kilograms of cocaine with the intent of exporting same. They both pleaded not guilty.
It was alleged that Antonietta Saravalli, also on May 12, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport had in her possession 1.118 kilograms of cocaine with the intent of exporting same, she too pleaded not guilty.
Attorney law Vic Puran represented all of the defendants. The lawyer did not make a bail application but simply stated, “I know all the defendants would be remanded to prison, and my only request would be for the matter to be set for Thursday at the Providence Magistrate’s Court”.
The defendants are to return to court on May 21 at Providence Magistrate’s Court.
Police Narcotics Agents on Tuesday last reportedly busted the four Canadians who allegedly had 9.9 kilograms of cocaine stashed in the false bottoms of their suitcases.
The Canadians, who formed two couples, were detained after the electronic scanner revealed the substances in the false bottoms of nine suitcases they were carrying.
According to a source, the drug carries a street value of US$200,000 in North America.
They were scheduled to board a flight to their homeland, at 07:00 hours, when they were busted.
These busts have pushed the cocaine seizure of a total of 21.86 kilograms of cocaine and 2.4 kilogram of heroin.
Additionally, 17 kilograms of cocaine was seized during a joint army and police operation on Wakenaam, Essequibo River, earlier this year.
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