Taxi driver remanded over cocaine possession

A taxi driver, who was allegedly found with cocaine by police, was yesterday remanded to prison.

The allegation against Lance Walters, 35, of 63 Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust, is that on November 30, in Georgetown, he had a gramme of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Walters, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, denied that he had the illegal substance.

According to Prosecutor Seon Blackman, police officers on mobile patrol in Cross Street saw Walters acting in a suspicious manner and began to conduct a search on his person.

Blackman further stated that the police officers found a small, transparent bag which contained a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine. As a result, Walters was arrested.

Lance Walters

Walters’ lawyer, James Bond, who sought bail, said that no drug was found or weighed in the presence of his client.

He further said that Walters was sitting on the corner of the street when he was approached by officers and later showed specks of white dust and he was arrested along with others.

Bond also complained that his client was held over three days in custody without charge until yesterday’s date.

After the magistrate inquired why Walters was held more than 72 hours without charge, the prosecutor said that the rank who had placed him in custody was told to release him but this was not done due to the fact that statements were filed late.

The magistrate, however, refused bail and the case was adjourned until December 19 for reports and fixtures.