In a significant development, two gold miners, Crystoff Amsterdam and Quacy Nero, have been remanded to prison after being charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The charges were brought against them at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, where they both pleaded not guilty.
The arrest occurred on Sunday afternoon when police, acting on a tip, searched a camp in the Tamakay Backdam area of the Middle Mazaruni River. During the search, a black haversack belonging to Amsterdam was found to contain 207 transparent parcels suspected to be cocaine, weighing approximately 186 grams.
Amsterdam claimed he discovered the bag while cleaning the camp, but both men were arrested and taken to the Enachu Police Station for further investigation. The case has been adjourned until April 28, 2025, for continuation.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing drug trafficking in Guyana’s mining regions. The country’s remote areas and intricate river networks often provide cover for illicit activities, making it difficult for authorities to monitor and control the flow of illegal substances.
As Guyana continues to grapple with issues related to drug trafficking and organized crime, the remand of these miners underscores the importance of vigilant policing and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat these threats effectively.
