4 years jail, $1.7M fine for man who shipped cocaine in fudge; wife freed

A 36-year-old labourer was on Thursday sentenced to four years imprisonment and slapped with a $1.7M fine for smuggling cocaine in fudge, while his 46-year-old reputed wife was freed of the same charge.

Shaka Nunes and Vanica Williams appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where Nunes pleaded guilty and told the court that his wife is innocent.

The court heard that on February 15, 2021, between lot 31 Maxwell Ally, Christiansburg, Linden; DHL Express at Lot 34 ‘B’ Republic Avenue, Linden and DHL in Georgetown, they trafficked 3,692 kilograms (8,139 lbs) of cocaine.

Following his guilty plea, prosecutor attached to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Konyo Sandiford withdrew the charge against Williams.

According to reports, on the day in question, DHL received a suspicious package at its Georgetown location from Linden and summoned CANU. The ranks examined the package, which contained local snacks, including fudge. A field test was done on the snacks and the fudge tested positive for cocaine. The package was reportedly expected to be shipped to the United States.

As a result, CANU ranks visited the mailing address in Linden and contacted Williams, who told them that Nunes gave her the package to post.

Nunes, a father of five children, begged for leniency and noted that he did not want to waste the court’s time.