TWO AC technicians at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and a passenger who were recently accused of having three bottles of Eldorado 5-year rum laced with cocaine were yesterday refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. The alleged mastermind, Kean Brewster, 21, of ‘B’ Field Sophia, along with 24-year-old Lorick Williams of Lot 51 Prospect, East Bank Demerara and Chris Douglas who hails from Timehri denied the charge read to them.
Particulars of the offence stated that on May 29 at the CJIA, they had in their possession 6.304 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
According to Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru, Williams along with the other accused Douglas works at the airport as AC technicians. He informed the court that the two men gave Brewster three bottles of Eldorado 5-year rum laced with cocaine to take to the United States. The transaction allegedly took place in the washroom area of the airport.
The court heard that Brewster was searched when the three bottles of the rum looked unusually thick. The prohibited drug was tested and proved to be the suspected cocaine. He allegedly admitted that he was indeed trafficking it to the U.S. and pointed out the other two accused as the persons who handed him the bottles.
The prosecution further informed the court that footage from the airport surveillance camera showed all the accused entering the washroom. It was also stated that the defendants admitted they were paid various sums of cash to play their part.
Douglas was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. Gordon Gilhuys and Williams was represented by attorney-at-law, Ms. Latchmi Rahamat but Brewster was unrepresented.
Despite arguments by the defence attorneys for bail, the trio were denied pretrial liberty and the matter was adjourned to June 16.

By Geeta Rampersaud