Trio charged after CJIA gold bust

Three persons who were involved in the attempted smuggling of gold via an American Airlines flight departing from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were charged on Thursday.

The persons charged are: Ian Jacobis, 44, Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara; Shameena Ahamad, 52, Roraima Scheme, West Bank Demerara; and Ashiana Salamaly, 34, Roraima Scheme, West Bank Demerara.

They were nabbed with approximately 240 ounces of virtually pure gold disguised as silver-plated jewelry that was being transported out of the country without the necessary permits and declaration to Customs Officials. The value of the gold was put at over US $560,000.

Police Headquarters reported that the defendants appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The charge was read to them and they all pleaded not guilty.

Bail was granted in the sum of $600,000 each with the condition that Jacobis lodges his passport at the Diamond Court and report to the Clerk every first Friday of the month.

Ahamad and Salamalay are to report to the Clerk every Friday pending the outcome of the matter.

The matter was adjourned to June 18, 2024.