Sophia man remanded over ganja in tin

A North Sophia man who pleaded guilty to having a small quantity of cannabis and not guilty to having a larger amount was yesterday remanded to prison.

Jermaine Luckie pleaded not guilty to a charge of possessing 125 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. However, he pleaded guilty to possessing 0.4 grammes of cannabis and was fined $3,000, along with six months community service by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

The case was then transferred to Court 2 where the facts were read once more.

The charge stated that on November 19 at North Sophia, Luckie had on his person 0.4 grammes of cannabis and 125 grammes for the purpose of trafficking.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones said that the ranks from Narcotics Branch, acting on information, conducted a search at Luckie’s home and found a Ziploc bag containing cannabis that Luckie owned, explaining, that it was for his personal use. A further search of his premises revealed a 1 gallon tin containing a black plastic bag with 129 Ziploc bags filled with, seed, leaves and stems, suspected to be cannabis.

Luckie was informed of the offence and the substance was weighed in his presence. The first bag contained 0.4 grammes, while the second contained 125 grammes.

The court was also told that the tin which contained the cannabis was dusted for fingerprints and those on the tin matched Luckie’s, hence he was brought before the court.

Mark Waldron who represented Luckie requested bail, but it was refused after no special reason was given.

Subsequently, 32-year-old Luckie, who resides at 109 Pike Street, North, Sophia was remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann Mc Clenon and he will make his next appearance in Court 2 on December 16.