Tuesday, September 25, 2012

United States citizen nabbed with cocaine shipment at Cheddi Jagan International Airport

– suspects in previous busts released

Police on Monday intercepted another cocaine shipment at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, bringing the total number of busts to three in recent weeks.

According to a police release, about 03:00h on Monday, checks on the suitcase of an outgoing U.S. citizen at the CJIA revealed 4.106kg of cocaine. The man has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations. Andrew Shawn Glasgow, 25, of 300 Hawthorne Avenue, New York, was about to board Caribbean Airlines 484 flight to New York when he was arrested by members of the Police Anti Narcotics Unit.

According to an airport official, suspicious substances were detected by police ranks as the suitcase was scanned which prompted officials to search the luggage; the drug was unearthed in the false bottom of the suitcase. The passenger was immediately asked to accompany the officials to the searching room where he was questioned, but denied having any knowledge of the cocaine. Charges are expected to be instituted shortly.

Meanwhile, the five persons who were being extensively grilled following the recent double drug bust at the CJIA, Timehri were released by Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers after the 72-hour detention period expired.

This is according to a well-placed source within the unit who also stated that they are continuing their investigations, with the hope of finding the real culprits.

The official stated that the unit continues to collect statements from employees attached to the CJIA, the Timehri Handling Service, and Caribbean Airlines. So far, more than 15 persons have been questioned after the discovery of the 30kg of cocaine, which has a street value of $21 million.

The first bust (28kg) was made by members of CANU on board a BW526 Caribbean Airlines flight bound for New York, while the second bust of two kg was made by members of the Police Narcotics Branch in a tractor that carries the stairs to the aircraft upon touching down.

In a recent interview, CANU head James Singh stated that law enforcement officers continue to be vigilant and are working diligently to eradicate the drug scourge.

He reiterated that while there have been security breaches at Guyana’s main port of entry, law enforcement needs to step up its game to control the situation.

http://www.guyanatimesgy.com

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