Imbaimadai bartender refused bail on ganja charge

A woman who was allegedly found with 11 grammes of cannabis in her possession was remanded to prison after Magistrate Ann McLennan so decided yesterday.

Bartender Sarika Johnson, 37, who resides at Lot 1453 Cummings Park, Sophia, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Johnson denied the July 2 charge which read that she had the substance in her possession at Imbaimadai Landing.

The mother of three was represented by Attorney Latchmie Rahamat, who in her application for reasonable bail contended that at all times since her arrest, the defendant denied having any knowledge of being in possession of the alleged substance. The magistrate found that no special reasons were advanced for the court to consider granting bail at that time.

As a result, Johnson was remanded to prison and her matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrates’ Court where it will be called again on September 16.