Discrepancies found in food handling process – report

The report of a Roraima Airways-commissioned investigation into the discovery of cocaine hidden in snacks for a Delta Airlines flight back in September found shortcomings in the handling process at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The findings of the private investigation were officially handed over to the company’s managing director, Captain Gerald Gouveia on Monday.

Gouveia said he took it upon himself to have a commission set up to investigate the procedures used by his airline and to come up with a solution to reduce the security breaches that facilitate cocaine trafficking at the CJIA. Gouveia noted that the ground handling and security system used by his airline meet international standards and is improved by continuous training and recommendations from Delta Airlines.
He pointed out that he was not involved in the inquiry, but the team was chaired by Attorney-at-law James Bond. The team also included other reputable persons who were given the opportunity to scrutinise the operations of the airport system at all levels, to find gaps in security.
Shortcomings
The managing director noted that the illegal export of drugs has been a major issue for the airport companies. He said the airport follows a strict procedure before someone is employed there, whether with a company or the airport itself. “However, this isn’t the first time that airport employees have been lured by people who pay them to break the law. So, while we may have a good person that start out with us, people could still manipulate anyone to do wrong,” he said.
Meanwhile, vice chairman of the investigating team, Roshan Khan said the inquiry revealed some shortcomings in the entire food handling process at the airport and several recommendations were made. “I would say we did find some shortcomings, but that was not in the Roraima Airways Group, rather it came from another entity that works along with the Roraima group,” Khan explained.
According to him, the team was able to identify that pre packaging food may prevent traffickers from getting easy access to meals intended for airlines. The team has recommended that the food served on flights be sealed. Khan said several other recommendations have been made but will be treated differently, since the matter is before the courts.
He noted that the move by Roraima Group to investigate the incident is commendable and shows its commitment in the fight against illegal smuggling.
An airport official had disclosed that the trafficker (a security officer) had hidden the cocaine among the snacks which were supposed to be taken onto the aircraft when he was stopped by airport security.
The airport security guard reportedly asked the man why he needed to gain access to the restricted area, but he could not have given a valid reason, hence a search was conducted, resulting in the discovery of the illicit substance.
Upon the discovery of the cocaine which was sewn neatly into the blankets, the trafficker attempted to bribe the airport security guard, who refused the bribe and escorted him and the catering staff to the ‘dark room’ where they were held.
During his detention, the cocaine mule attempted to escape, but was held down by two security ranks until the police arrived and took him into custody.