Accused smugglers cleared of cocaine in ornaments charge

-after witnesses fail to show

Belinda Williams and Gordon Plass, who were accused of trying to mail almost 40 pounds of cocaine to Ireland in ceramic ornaments, were yesterday cleared of the charge.

The case against Williams and Plass was dismissed by Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 5, after two witnesses repeatedly failed to show up to testify.

As a result, the magistrate called on Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt to close his case and the matter was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. It was alleged that on July 7, 2014, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, Williams tried posting cargo destined for Dublin, Ireland on AmeriJet flight M68130. The 19 pieces containing cocaine were discovered when the articles tested positive for cocaine during a field search performed by the Police Narcotics Branch.

 Belinda Williams
Belinda Williams
Gordon Plass
Gordon Plass

Having being told of the discovery, Williams indicated that she was unaware of the contents of the articles and allegedly said that she was given the items by Plass. Plass denied this claim and he said someone gave him the items.

Both accused were represented by attorney Patrice Henry.