A New York-based child care worker was yesterday fined $140,000 after she admitted to attempting to smuggle birds out of the country.
Emily Persaud, 45, appeared in a city court where she was read the charge that on May 21, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, she attempted to smuggle birds without permission.
Persaud, who resides in the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty to the charge, which was read by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
According to the prosecution, around 4.30 am, Persaud was an outgoing passenger on Dynamic Airlines Flight 2D402 to JFK, New York. It was stated that as the defendant cleared the boarding gate and approached the aircraft, she was observed by personnel acting in a suspicious manner. This led to her being contacted and a search being conducted on her in the aircraft stairs.
It was during the search, the prosecution further stated, that the birds were found strapped to her waist and feet, where they were concealed in large hair curlers.
Persaud was then questioned and was unable to produce a permit granting her permission to export the birds. As a result, she was told of the offence she had committed, arrested and cautioned. While under caution, the prosecution said, she told police that someone asked her to carry the birds to New York.
Persaud was asked by the Chief Magistrate if she wished to say anything based on what was said and her response was no.
Persaud was then fined $140,000. She was also disqualified from obtaining an export certificate for a period of 24 months beginning from today.
