Metal dealer accuses cops of planting drug pipe on him

A scrap metal dealer, accused of having an improvised utensil for smoking cocaine, yesterday told a court that the instrument was planted on him.

Keith Tuesday was remanded to prison after being arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on the charge that on August 8, at Georgetown, he had in his possession a utensil used in connection with the smoking of cocaine, that is, an improvised pen cover.

Tuesday, 43, of Lot 297 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara denied the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The unrepresented Tuesday, in his defence, told the court that on the day in question a number of police officers stormed into his yard and found the pen cover, which they “planted” on him.

Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt objected to the accused being granted bail, saying he had been charged with a similar offence and was granted bail but never returned to stand trial.

Hunt told the court that a trial was conducted in that matter and the accused was later sentenced ex parte to one year in prison after being found guilty of the offence.

The prosecution contended that if granted bail, there is a likelihood that the accused will not return to stand trial.

The father of four was subsequently informed that he would be remanded to prison. His matter will be called again on September 10.