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by pltm
(PLTM) - The two Trinidadians, who were caught trying to smuggle over $60,000 cash out of the Territory, pleaded guilty to the offenses, when they appeared before Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards at the Magistrate's Court today, July 14.
Rachelle Emrith, 29, and Allan Birju, 44, were arrested on July 4 at the T. B. Lettsome International Airport, after the money was discovered.
During their appearance, Emrith, who was found with $58,050 strapped around her waist and on her back end side, pleaded guilty to the charges of engaging in smuggling, possession of proceeds of criminal conduct, and failing to declare monies to customs.
Birju, who was found with $9,488 in the pockets of two sets of pants he wore, pleaded guilty to the offense of possession of proceeds of criminal conduct.
Both Emrith and Birju pleaded not guilty to the offence of assisting another to retain the benefits of criminal conduct.
They will return to court next Friday, July 21.
Previous Article Published July 7 - Trini Nabbed With Cash Strapped To Waist
Two Trinidadians were brought before the Magistrate’s Court today, July 7, after they were allegedly found smuggling over $60,000 cash out of the Territory on July 4.
Rachelle Emrith, 29, and Allan Birju, 44, are jointly charged with engaging in smuggling.
Emrith is charged with assisting another to retain the benefits of criminal conduct, engaging in smuggling, possession of proceeds of criminal conduct in the amount of $58,050, and failing to declare monies to customs.
Birju is charge with assisting another to retain the benefits of criminal conduct, and possession of proceeds of criminal conduct in the amount of $9,488.
According to particulars disclosed by Senior Crown Counsel Garcia Kelly, the two, along with the five year-old step-daughter of Emrith, arrived in the British Virgin Islands from Trinidad on June 29, and were staying at a villa in Carrot Bay.
On July 4th, while attempting to leave the Territory to return to Trinidad, both were stopped and searched at the T. B. Lettsome International Airport, which led to the find of the cash.
The court heard that on her person, Emrith had several packages wrapped and taped around her waist and on her back end side. The packages, which were noted to contain cash, amounted to $58,050.
Following the find, Emrith allegedly told the officers, “Officer, I have a young child to feed. Things are hard in Trinidad. Someone gave me the money to start a business. Please give me a break.”
A search on Birju recovered cash from the pocket of a pants, which he wore under his jeans, and the pockets of the jeans itself.
Birju allegedly told officers that he had accompanied Emrith to the BVI and that most of the money was hers.
In an audio interview at the Road Town Police Station, Birju’s story changed, where he informed the officers that he brought the money with him from Trinidad.
He also stated that he did not arrive in the BVI with Emrith, but admitted that they both stayed at the Carrot Bay villa.
Both were remanded to prison and will make another appearance on July 13th.
