A Brazilian national is among three individuals who have been formally charged with narcotics trafficking and illegal entry following an investigation into the alleged illegal landing of an aircraft in the South Rupununi, Region 9.
The incident occurred at an unauthorised airstrip in Bashaizon Village on 6th October 2024.The three accused were arrested on 8th October 2024 and appeared in court today, 16th October.
They have been identified as 48-year-old Robintaine Peixoto Saraiva, a miner from Boa Vista, Brazil; 53-year-old Hamlet Da Silva, a self-employed man from Bonfim, Brazil, and Achiwib Village, South Rupununi; and 27-year-old Evander Phonix, a miner from Achiwib Village, South Rupununi.
Phonix faces a charge of trafficking in narcotics under the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10, while Da Silva and Saraiva have been jointly charged with the same offence.
Additionally, Saraiva is charged with illegal entry, contrary to Section 34(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, Chapter 14:02.The trio appeared before Her Worship Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where they pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The defendants are being represented by attorney Bernard Da Silva.The case has been adjourned until 29th October 2024, when the court will reconvene for the disclosure of statements and further reporting.
