The drugs ingested by Renzo Eduardo Sanoja

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​By Zaya Williams

A Venezuelan man, Renzo Eduardo Sanoja, was sentenced to 19 months in prison for his involvement in a drug smuggling incident at V.C. Bird International Airport.

On October 18, Renzo Sanoja was apprehended during a coordinated operation jointly by the Police and Customs authorities.

The investigation unveiled the fact that Sanoja had ingested a total of 74 cocaine pellets, a method often used by drug traffickers to conceal illegal substances.

Subsequently, Sanoja was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center, where he was forced to egest the concealed controlled substance.

Following the discovery of 2lbs of cocaine, he was charged with a series of offenses namely, possession of cocaine, importation of cocaine, being associated with the distribution of cocaine, and possessing cocaine with the intent to transfer, with an estimated value of EC$63,236.

Appearing before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, the defendant admitted guilt to all charges, except possession with intent to transfer.

That charge was consequently dismissed.

For the charge of simple possession, Sanoja was reprimanded and discharged.

However, in connection with the remaining two charges, he received a sentence of 9 and a half months in prison.

These sentences will be served consecutively, leading to a combined prison term of 19 months.