[www.inewsguyana.com] – Jermaine Beveny of 115 Ogle Street Triumph, East Coast Demerara was today refused bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for trafficking narcotics.
The 25-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on Saturday, September 6 at Itaballi in the Mazaruni River, he had in his possession 457 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.
He was represented by Attorney – at – Law James Bond. Bond told the Court that that his client is not a flight risk and has no prior convictions or pending matters. The Counsel said that his client and his family have an operation in the interior and on the day in question he and his wife along with other relatives were travelling to the interior.
When they arrived at the check point at Itaballi the Police stopped them for a routine check and found the illegal substance in a bag, which they suspected belong to him. Bond said that his client and his wife were arrested but she was later released and he was charged with the offence.
However, Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the Court that on the day in question around 18:20 hrs at Itaballi ranks were conducting routine checks when motor vehicle PKK 531 arrived at the check point.
The Court heard that there were several persons including the defendant that were occupying the vehicle and they were all asked to disembarked for procedural checks.
They were also asked to identify their luggage and a subsequent search was conducted on their person and belongings. As a result of the search, the prohibited substance was found in a bag the defendant claimed ownership. He was told of the offence and arrested and charged.
Prosecutor Grant successfully opposed bail by citing the nature and prevalence of the offence. He also objected that as it relates to this offence special reason is required for bail to be granted.
However, the father of two was remanded to prison and the case was transferred to Bartica Court for September 18.
