A Tuschen resident who was alleged caught by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit with over $113 million worth in cocaine has been remanded to prison.
The defendant, Ryan DaSilva, appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty when the charge was read to him.
According to the charge, DaSilva on December 18, at Tuschen-Parika area, East Bank Essequibo had in his possession, 17.4 kg (38.3lbs) on cocaine.
DaSilva, who was represented by Attorney Dexter Todd, pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison until January 6, 2022.
On the day in question, the CANU officers acting on information conducted narcotics operations in the Tuschen-Parika area, East Bank Essequibo. During the operation, a motor vehicle with a sole occupant was stopped and searched, resulting in the discovery of 15 brick-like parcels suspected to be cocaine.
DaSilva, who was the driver at the time, was arrested and later escorted to CANU HQ with the narcotics, to be processed.
At CANU headquarters, the parcels were tested and proven to be cocaine. With a total weight of 17.4 kg (38.3lbs) and has a street value of more than US$552,000 (approximately $113,160,000.).
