A 17-year-old labourer who was allegedly caught with a quantity of marijuana in his possession was today remanded on a narcotics trafficking charge.
Randy Smith, of Laing Avenue, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He denied the charge which stated that on June 30, 2019, at Durban Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 266 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.
Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman stated that on the day in question, police on mobile patrol saw the defendant “riding a bike in a suspicious manner” and they stopped him and carried out a search.
The court heard the ranks carried out a search on Smith and leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis were found in a tire which was in a black bag he was carrying.
However, Smith, in addressing the court, stated, “I was in bed when I received a call from my brother saying that I should go by his girlfriend and collect a bag.” Smith added that shortly after he collected the bag, he was riding going home when he was stopped by police who arrested him.
Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail being granted to Smith on the grounds of the prevalence of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts. The magistrate, after listening to the facts, remanded Smith to prison until July 24.
Also appearing before the same Magistrate was 28-year-old Akeem Lord of Sophia. He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 2, 2019, at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, he had in his possession 22 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. He was released on $40,000 bail and instructed to make his next court appearance on July 19.
