MAGISTRATE Ann McLennan, on Thursday December 5, 2019, granted $100,000 bail to a 44-year-old man accused of bribing an Officer of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
Vibert Marks of Independence Street, La Grange, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge, when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on November 18, 2019, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), he corruptly offered a CANU officer $100,000 as a reward for forbearing to investigate him (Marks).

Attorney-at-law, Glenn Hanoman, who represented Marks in the matter, asked for the matters involving him (marks) to ‘stay together’ since they originated from the same incident. He also asked that his client be released on reasonable bail.

Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that, on the day in question, Marks was at the CJIA, on his way to the United States of America and, when his suitcase was being checked in, a darkish object was found in the corner of the suitcase.

Jeffers added that a Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer then asked Marks what the object was and Marks said that he was carrying 20 ounces of gold. A further search was conducted and a large quantity of raw gold was found. Marks then attempted to bribe the rank. The latter reported the incident.

An investigation was carried out and Marks was arrested and charged.
Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the prosecutor, released Marks on $100,000 bail, and ordered that Marks reported every week to the Headquarters of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). The matter was adjourned until January 6, 2020.

Marks was also charged, weeks ago, for possession of 974.13 grams of raw gold valued at $7,332,416.00, without being the holder of an export licence. He was released on $200,000 bail.