Shipper, porter remanded over cocaine in straws

Two men were yesterday charged over the 21.8 kilos of cocaine found in drinking straws at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport last Thursday.

Obrian White, 23, a computer technician identified as the exporter and Adrian David, 23, a porter, were remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It was alleged that on December 6, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, White, of Lot 33 San Souci, Wakenaam, and David, of Lot 192 Plantain Walk, West Demerara had in their possession 21.87 kilos of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Attorney Peter Hugh represented both of the accused and said that they were both innocent of the accusation against them.

Adrian David
Obrian White

Prosecutor Stephen Telford said officers from the narcotics branch conducted a search on cargo destined for Ontario, Canada on Caribbean Airlines Flight 484 and they discovered 41 bags of mangoes and an assortment of noodles.

It was also found that the noodles had been replaced by drinking straws in six boxes and they contained a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine.
The two men were then arrested and charged

Hugh told the court that White went to ship a package but there was no evidence which tied the two to the narcotics.
David, he added, was just a porter at the airport.

After the two men were refused bail, the case was put down until December 14, when it is to be called for reports and fixtures.