GUYANA Defence Force Coast Guard rank, Zegga Phillips, was yesterday remanded to prison after he had appeared in Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry’s court on a drug-related charge.

The 22-year-old of Lot 440 Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, EBD, pleaded not guilty to having in his possession 4.342 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking on Wednesday, April 30, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Mr. Oswald Massiah, told the court that on the day in question, at around 02:30 hrs., the private was operating motor car PLL 9026 and was hired to transport a passenger to the CJIA in order that they might pick up an incoming passenger. Phillips was approached at the airport by a CANU officer, who told him of his suspicions.

The defendant flashed his ID at the officer, informing him that he is a member of the GDF. However, with his consent, the officer carried out a search and two black plastic bags containing four bricks of the illegal substance were found.

When cautioned by the officer, Phillips tried to make an offer, saying: “Let’s work out something, buddy.”

Phillips was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Patrice Henry, who requested bail in a reasonable sum for his client. He said the defendant resides with his parents at the mentioned address, and that he strongly denies the allegations.

Counsel also said his client was on hire to CJIA, and was informed by the hirer that they would be picking up an incoming passenger. He said his client received a text from the hirer that he had forgotten the bag in the car, but was soon after approached by a CANU officer. He said his client told the officer to try calling the person who had texted him, but the officer refused to do so.

The Chief Magistrate nevertheless refused to grant Phillips bail, citing as reason the fact that the defence had offered no special reason why bail should be granted.

The case was transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for report and fixtures on May 15.

(By Geeta Rampersaud)