EX-CANU officer, Kenroy Joseph, who allegedly assisted a couple in trafficking cocaine to Canada yesterday was remanded to prison until February 13, following his court appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.Joseph pleaded not guilty to the charge which detailed that on Friday January 30 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara, he trafficked in narcotics; that is to say, he aided and abetted Mahendra Ramsuchit and Rohbina Basdeoram to traffick 21.360 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking in narcotics.

It is alleged that, on the day in question, Joseph took the couple to the airport with a forged protocol letter which allowed him to use the VIP lounge of the CJIA, and he assisted the couple to board the aircraft.

Joseph was represented by attorney-at-law, Mr. James Bond, who argued that his client was not at the airport on the day in question. Bond added that Joseph has no knowledge of the crime, and he refused to accept that his client was with the other two defendants. Bond said that Joseph never produced any letter on their behalf.
It is alleged that Joseph obtained a forged letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and presented same to the Fly Jamaica airline, intending to allow Ramsuchit and Basdeoram to enter into the VIP lounge when they were not supposed to so do.
The couple was remanded to prison on February 2 after pleading not guilty to the charge that, on January 30 at CJIA, they had in their possession narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Basdeoram is alleged to have had 10.968 kg cocaine, while her husband was charged with having 10.392 kg of the illicit substance.

They were soon after asked by an air hostess to re-board the plane and follow the customary procedures, after their names had not been found on the VIP list.

Ranks then saw them acting suspiciously and they apprehended them and carried out a search of their bags.
A white substance suspected to be cocaine was found concealed in each of their laptop bags and their suitcases. The drug was tested and proved to be cocaine, and they were accordingly arrested and charged.
The Police prosecutor opposed bail for Joseph on the grounds of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence. His objection took into account the fact that no special reasons had been given to warrant pre-trial liberty for Joseph.

According to reports, it is likely that other charges would be brought against Joseph in relation to more forged letters.
The prosecution’s objections were upheld, Joseph was remanded, and the matter stands adjourned to February 13.