PARMANAND Persaud, a 33-year-old resident of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has been sentenced to four years in prison and fined GY$15,783,000 after being found guilty of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The sentencing took place Tuesday at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court, and was presided over by Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

Persaud, also known as ‘Jason’, faced the charges stemming from an incident on July 6, 2023, when he was intercepted by the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) in the Young Professionals Housing Scheme.

During the operation, CANU ranks searched Persaud’s vehicle, motor car PVV 4385, and discovered 10.522 kilogrammes (approximately 23 pounds) of cocaine hidden inside.

Persaud was immediately taken into custody following the discovery.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Persaud maintained his innocence, but the prosecution presented compelling evidence leading to his conviction.

The cocaine has an estimated street value of GY$10.6 million.