Nismes man accused of ganja trafficking

A man was yesterday remanded to prison on a narcotics trafficking charge after police found a quantity of cannabis during a search on his property.

The charge read at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court stated that on October 23, at Nismes, West Bank Demerara, Chitram Persaud had in his possession 336 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that police ranks, acting on information, went to Persaud’s home and conducted a search.

During this search, Mangru said, a black bag was seen at the corner of a trench in Persaud’s yard.

Mangru added that a search inside the black bag revealed leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis. He added that Persaud also admitted to having knowledge of the illegal drug in a caution statement to the police, which he signed.

Mangru objected to bail, which was sought by Persaud’s lawyer, Glenn Hanoman.

Hanoman, who represented Persaud, said that the police had not properly analysed the matter against his client and as such he felt that his client should be granted bail.

He argued that the drug was found close to Persaud’s yard but not in his possession and added that the matter was prematurely brought to court since the area in which the narcotic was found was frequented by persons other than his client.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, however, opted to deny bail and adjourned the case until November 1, when it will be called at Court One.