Man arrested for condoms of ‘coke’

A 21-year-old man yesterday appeared before a Port-of-Spain court charged with attempting to export prohibited goods. Jecenpe Gaitan pleaded not guilty to the charge before Magistrate Krishendeo Narinesingh. The court heard that last Wednesday, Gaitan was detained by Customs Officer Derrick Alleyne at Piarco International Airport after the officer saw Gaitan acting suspiciously. Gaitan, who was attempting to board a flight to London, was then taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he passed out 100 condom pellets, each filled with cocaine. The estimated street value of the cocaine is $250,000.

Gaitan was subsequently charged for the offence. Police prosecutor, Sgt Sharon Gulston, objected to bail, saying a trace had not yet been conducted on the accused, but Narinesingh granted the accused bail in the sum of $350,000 with surety, pending the outcome of the tracing. The bail is to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace. He will re-appear before a Port-of-Spain magistrate today.