Two couples charged with ganja trafficking

Two couples yesterday appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Alair Hendricks, 23, and his partner, Alicia Gilkes, 31, were before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for the possession of 109 grammes of cannabis on January 4.

The substance was reportedly found at the ‘PP’ Bent Street premises of the couple and was allegedly for the purpose of trafficking. Both Hendricks and Gilkes pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, ranks from the narcotics division, acting on information, went to the home of the defendants. There, a search was conducted and revealed the substance in the kitchen. The substance, Mangru continued, was contained in 86 Ziploc plastic bags.

Mangru further stated that Hendricks had admitted orally to the crime.

The prosecutor objected to bail based on the fact that no special reasons had been provided. Sewnarine-Beharry refused bail and transferred the matter to Court 2.

In Court 2, Prosecutor Deniro Jones also objected to bail, stating that the substance had been found in the kitchen in a black shoulder bag and that Hendricks had also admitted to the offence.

This time around, Gilkes was granted bail by Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the sum of $200,000. However, Hendricks was once again refused bail.

The couple is scheduled to return to court on January 30.

In another case, a James Street, Albouystown couple was brought before Chief Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry for the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

It is alleged that on January 4 at 16 James Street Albouystown Carl Latchley, 23, and Christina Camacho, 21, had 93 grammes of cannabis for trafficking. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to Prosecutor Bharat Mangru, ranks from the narcotics division went to the defendants’ home and conducted a search in front of the accused duo. The search, Mangru continued, revealed leaves, stems, and seeds suspected to be cannabis. Latchley and Camacho were subsequently charged.

According to the pair’s lawyer Gordon Gilhuys, Latchley and Camacho had never been charged before, shared a common-law union and had a one-month-old child.

Prosecutor Mangru objected to bail, stating that no special reasons were given.

Latchley and Camacho were remanded to prison and will return to court on January 17.

After his defendants were remanded, Gilhuys pointed out that special provisions must be made that will allow Camacho to nurture her newborn baby.