US citizens remanded for drug trafficking

Jun 11, 2009 News

Two US citizens were remanded to prison on Tuesday last after appearing before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton.

It was alleged that the two 24-year-olds, Tracy-Ann Samuels and Asha Smallwood, on June 7, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, had in their possession 3.863 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The two defendants pleaded not guilty and were represented by attorney at law Roger Yearwood.

The lawyer in a bail application said that he is well aware of the court’s seriousness about bail in these circumstances.

He said that both defendants, who reside in New York, have family members who solely depend on them. Police Prosecutor Robert Clement objected to bail stating that no special reasons were given.

Yearwood interjected and enquired if the prosecution can specify what really “special reasons” are.

Prosecutor Clement said that special reasons should address the defendant and not the offence committed.

Bail was nevertheless denied and the two are expected to make another court appearance on June 15. The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court. Reports are that the two women were nabbed on Sunday around 10:30 hours, while attempting to board a Delta Airlines Flight heading to the United States of America.

This newspaper was told that ranks of the Police Narcotics branch, found the prohibited substance in Smallwood’s hand luggage.

A source close to the investigation had stated that two packets of white powder which appeared to be cocaine, were found hidden in a false compartment of Smallwood’s carry on luggage. Tests on the substance revealed that it was indeed cocaine.