A 23-year-old technician of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Wednesday, January 29, 2019, charged for allegedly having $325,000 worth of counterfeit $5,000 notes in his possession.

Alston Pierce made an appearance before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on January 26, 2019, at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, Pierce with intent to defraud, had in his possession a quantity of $5,000 bills, amounting to $325,000, knowing same to be counterfeit.

During an application for bail, Pierce’s attorney Eusi Anderson told the court that his client was the sole breadwinner for his family.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Adduni Inniss, told the court that Pierce was arrested with the counterfeit notes in his possession, during an intelligence-led operation by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF.)

Inniss, who made no objection to Pierce being granted his pre-trial liberty, requested though that conditions be attached, as the police investigation into the matter is ongoing.

The acting chief magistrate released Pierce on $200,000 bail and adjourned the matter until February 18, 2019.  Pierce was also ordered to report to the Brickdam Police Station, every Wednesday, until the completion of the matter.