THIRTY-one-year-old Odessa Pollard, an agent of Qualfon Guyana and her 51-year-old mother-in-law Cathelina Deflorma, a security guard at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution’s case is that on Thursday, November 5, around 05:00 hrs, Pollard was slated to depart on a Caribbean Airlines flight destined for Trinidad and Tobago when she was busted with 12.348 kilogrammes of cocaine in her possession at the CJIA.

The narcotic was allegedly discovered in Pollard’s suitcase when ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) uncovered several packets of cocaine disguised in packets of Kerrygold milk powder.

Arrested, Pollard denied knowledge of the narcotic and told the officers that her mother-in-law had packed her suitcase and had told her that the milk packets contained diamonds.

Acting on the woman’s testimony, ranks apprehended Deflorma, who, under caution, confessed to placing the narcotic into Pollard’s suitcase without her knowledge, and tricking her into believing that she was fetching diamonds.

Deflorma was thus charged with allegedly conspiring with Pollard to traffic the illicit drug.

Both women pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Bharrat Mangru objected to the women being granted bail, since they had not provided any special reasons to warrant their being granted pre-trial liberty.

The chief magistrate remanded the women until November 13, when they will make an appearance at the Providence Magistrates Court.
(Clestine Juan)