Brazilians remanded over ganja under car bonnet

Two Brazilian nationals were remanded yesterday when they appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of narcotics trafficking.

It is alleged that on April 21 at the Multi-Purpose Complex, Central Rupununi, Robson Chavier Luciano and Amerindo Silva Lourenzo, had in their possession 1769 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Corporal Venetta Pindar, prosecuting, told the court that on the day in question at Lethem ranks were on duty when they carried out a search on a motorcar in which the two defendants were travelling. Under the bonnet of the vehicle four black plastic bags were found containing leaves, stems and seeds of the suspected cannabis which was tested and weighed. The two were told of the offence and were arrested.

Peter Hugh, representing the number two defendant, stated that it was the number one  defendant who admitted  ownership of the item and not his client. “If that is the case then my client is not guilty,” Hugh said.

Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry refused bail and transferred the matter to the Rupununi Magistrates’ Court for June 7.