The $70 million liquor bust trial on Tuesday commenced before Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry with the testimony of a bus driver who transported some of the goods.
On trial are Joseph Sahadeo of 168 Industry, Mark Chandra of Eccles, Shawn Ali of 2280 Diamond, Madhu of 36 Public Road, La Grange, Vinod Bhagwandin, Krishendat Ramdin and Umbar Angad who had pleaded not guilty to dealing with goods with intent to defraud the GRA of duties and being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of Customs import duties. The case proceeded against the seven men as Delroy Neil Samaroo is still at large. The case is being heard at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) prosecutor Gino Persaud on Tuesday called B. Ishri as his first witness. He testified that he was a mini bus driver who was hired by Bhagwandin to transport some of the seized liquor.
After the witness’ lengthy testimony and cross-examination by the defence the case was adjourned for a next occasion when another witness is to testify.
Sahadeo had also indicated to the court that he needed time to seek a new lawyer.
According to the facts of the case, on February 14 the men along with others were knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of Customs import duties in relation to a large quantity of smuggled, assorted liquor conveyed on the MV Lady Kimberly, of which a certain portion was discharged at Rambarran’s wharf, Land of Canaan. The liquor was then allegedly transferred to a waiting Canter truck and minibuses. According to a GRA press release, the seizure operation began during the early hours of the said date, following intelligence that there was a vessel with smuggled goods moored at the wharf.
The bust included the seizure of the fishing trawler, a 14 ft aluminium boat, three Canter trucks, two minibuses and one AT 192 car. More than 4,000 cases of Heineken, 500 cases of assorted liquor such as Grey Goose, Baileys, Tequila, Hennessey, Absolute Vodka (assorted), Black Label Whisky, Johnny Walker Whisky and more than 300 cases of Red Bull.
The case will continue on October 30.
