By Clestine Juan

A BETTER HOPE, East Coast Demerara businessman who was held at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri with $4M worth of jewellery, was on Tuesday charged with two counts of money-laundering related charges.
Richard Ramjit, a goldsmith, was charged with exporting gold without a licence and failing to declare a gold band and gold neckwear which collectively weighed 19.12 ounces, and had an estimated value of $4.15M.
The incident occurred on January 19, 2016 at the CJIA.

Ramjit pleaded not guilty to the two charges before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Representing the father of one was attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahmat who explained that her client had already filed a $10 million lawsuit against the government after he was detained at the CJIA.

The lawyer also noted that the matter was currently a subject at the Constitutional Court before Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and was adjourned until April 14 following a motion filed by former Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall.

Rahmat pleaded with the Magistrate for a report date that would allow her to bring the ruling of the matter from the High court.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones made no objection to bail, which was granted in the sum of $100,000. The matter was adjourned until April 20 for report.

Ramjit in March moved to the High Court seeking in excess of $10M in damages and a declaration that his detention was unlawful since he missed his flight as a result of interrogation and the eventual seizure of his jewellery which entailed questioning by various law enforcement officers.