Berbice businessman remanded for cocaine in pastries

Apr 08, 2014 News

A Berbice businessman who was recently nabbed at the airport whilst preparing to board an outgoing flight destined for the United States (US), was yesterday brought before the courts to be indicted for drug trafficking following the discovery of over 16 pounds of cocaine concealed in footwear and pastries.

Accused Drug Trafficker: Nicholas Harrinandan

Nicholas Harrinandan, a Guyanese national, was allegedly intercepted by Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) with 7.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in cheese rolls, pine tarts, mettai and in the soles of a pair of shoes at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on April 6, 2014.
Following the bust, Harrinandan, a married entrepreneur, was brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for his first court arraignment.
When the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking was read to Harrinandan, he pleaded not guilty and submitted a bail application through his lawyer but the court presided over by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, ordered him held until April 14.
Harrinandan’s case is being prosecuted by Special Prosecutor Oswald Massiah (attached to CANU) who explained that the 37 year-old man from Fort Ordinance, East Canje Berbice, was an outgoing passenger on BW 526 destined for JFK International Airport, USA when he was intercepted.
He explained that during routine checks which were being conducted, Harrinandan was summoned by the Customs and Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers whilst his two pieces of luggage were being scanned.
Massiah said that Harrinandan identified the luggage in which the officers later found the illegal substance, as belonging to him.
The Prosecutor added that when told of the suspicion, the accused did not respond.

A portion of the drug filled items.

Harrinandan was then arrested and taken to CANU where a complete extraction of the illicit substance was done.
The substance was weighed and subsequent investigations led to him being charged for drug trafficking.
Harrinandan was represented by Defence Attorney Peter Hugh. The lawyer told the court that his client was a married man who is a businessman and part time taxi driver.
After the short hearing, the Chief Magistrate remanded him to prison. The matter was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court where it will engage the attention of Magistrate Leron Daly on Monday (April 14).
CJIA Corporation cites this latest drug bust as the first for April.
According to a statement issued, 11 drug mules have been arrested and charged for attempting to smuggle cocaine through CJIA for 2014. The success of these seizures is as a result of a collaborative effort with CJIA’s security, CID and CANU officers.
The statement records too, that law enforcement officers continue to be confronted with the ingenious methods of trafficing cocaine out of the country. These include awarra, straws, ochroes, pumpkins, cream liqueur, rum, star apples, and peppers, among others.