Three busted for alleged smuggling of gold at Guyana airport
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) — Three people who were allegedly involved in the attempted smuggling of gold via an American Airlines flight departing from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana were charged on Thursday.
The gold was valued at over US$560,000.
The alleged smugglers have been identified as 44-year-old Ian Jacobis, 52-year-old Shameena Ahamad and 34-year-old Ashiana Salamaly, all from West Bank Demerara.
They were held with approximately 240 ounces of gold disguised as silver-plated jewellery that was being transported out of the country without the necessary permits and declaration to customs officials.
Police headquarters reported that the defendants appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.
The charge was read to them and they all pleaded not guilty.
Bail was granted in the sum of GY$600,000 (JM$446,555.75) each with the condition that Jacobis surrenders his passport at the Diamond Court and report to the clerk every first Friday of the month.
Ahamad and Salamalay are to report to the clerk every Friday pending the outcome of the matter.
The matter was adjourned until June 18.