Two remanded on separate ganja charges

A man and a woman were yesterday remanded after facing narcotics trafficking charges at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Felicia Bristol, 27, of Lot 1 David Street, Golden Grove, East Coast, Demerara, and Sheldon Boyce, 37, of Lot 1919 Haley Street, Wortmanville both pleaded not guilty to the separate charges which were read by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

It was alleged that on September 22 at Arangoy Backdam, Cuyuni River, Boyce had in his possession 244 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

It was also alleged that on the same day Bristol had 43 grammes of cannabis in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Attorney Peter Hugh, who represented both accused, said that the drugs did not belong to his clients since they were found in an area which also is occupied by other persons.

He made an application for reasonable bail to be granted to both parties.

Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru told the court that on September 22, police were on mobile patrol when they observed Bristol acting suspiciously; they then saw her place a package behind a speaker box at a shop.

Upon conducting a search in the presence of Bristol, Mangru said, police officers discovered leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Bristol allegedly admitted that it belonged to her and that she smokes it. She was subsequently arrested and charged.

In relation to Boyce, Mangru said that police officers went to his shop and conducted a search in his presence, and found a black plastic bag containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

According to Mangru, he too admitted to having knowledge of the drug at the time he was arrested and charged.

Both persons were remanded until October 3 when they will appear at the Bartica Magistrates’ Court.