Businessman accused of bribing police to release seized narcotics
– released on $200,000 bail
A businessman was yesterday charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice after he allegedly offered police a bribe to secure the release of narcotics seized.
Tazim Gafoor, of Menzies Street, Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara is accused of committing the offence on June 8, at Craig, East Bank Demerara.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $200,000 bail.
Attorney Glenn Hanoman told the court that his client operates an automotive store at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara. The Attorney petitioned for Gafoor to be admitted to bail citing the fact that he had been kept in custody beyond the 72-hour period.
Hanoman explained that his client was arrested last Wednesday and police insisted on keeping him in custody although he was indicted on a bailable offence.
The lawyer said that he reminded the police of his client’s constitutional rights and signaled his intentions to seek compensation.
However, Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones opposed bail for the defendant citing the gravity of the charge. Jones said that George is still being investigated by police as they believe he is the mastermind behind trafficking in narcotics.
The prosecutor pointed out that the defendant attempted to bribe police on a sting operation.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan admitted Gafoor to bail and instructed him not to go within 50 feet of the witnesses until the completion of the matter.
This matter will be called again on July 6.