“Zipper” freed of another cocaine trafficking charge

Magistrate Wanda Fortune has dismissed a cocaine trafficking charge that was brought against Andre Gomes, also known as “Zipper” back in October 2021.

Gomes and another individual were arrested following an operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) at Craig Street, Campbellville, Georgetown during which the officers had discovered some 2 kilograms of cocaine.

Gomes’ co-accused had initially pleaded guilty and has since served his sentence.

When the case was called again today, the prosecution was not prepared, prompting Gomes’ attorney Siand Dhurjon to apply for the matter to be dismissed.

Today had been assigned for the hearing of evidence but the prosecution appeared without any witnesses present and applied for a further opportunity to secure their attendance.

The defence attorney objected, submitting that the prosecution had ample notice of the trial date, that the court had already allocated a full day for trial, and that the accused should not continue to suffer prejudice as a result of repeated and unexplained delays. The defence attorney also pointed out that the case had been before the court for over four years and had already been adjourned on numerous occasions for a variety of reasons.

In her ruling, Magistrate Fortune held that she was not satisfied that the prosecution had taken sufficient or reasonable measures to secure the attendance of its witnesses for the trial date. On that basis, she upheld the defence’s application and dismissed the charge against Gomes.

Another cocaine-related charge against Gomes was also dismissed in July 2018 by Magistrate Leron Daly on the grounds of insufficient evidence.

Based on reports back in 2018, Gomes was arrested in the same Campbellville area after CANU ranks had found just over two pounds of cocaine at a house.

Three years before that case, Gomes was arrested and charged for the shooting of a taxi driver outside Palm Court on Main Street, Georgetown. He was also freed of that charge because of insufficient evidence.