GOLD miner Paul Persaud, who had over $3M in jewellery seized from him at the Ogle International Airport (now renamed Eguene Eugene F. Correia) in February, was Tuesday charged with exporting gold without a licence.Persaud, 35, of Lot ‘J’ 9946 Jackson Street, Tucville, was granted $100,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to the charge before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that on February 5 at Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara, Persaud had in his possession 5.5 ounces of gold, valued at $3,111,600, without being the holder of an exporting licence.

His lawyer, Peter Hugh in his bail application noted that Persaud is married and is the father of a 4-year-old child. The lawyer further contended that Persaud has been cooperating with police during their investigation ever since he was prevented from travelling out of Guyana.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Bharat Mangru made no objections to Persaud being released on bail. The matter will be heard at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s court on August 2.