A woman who was accused of having a quantity of cannabis in her possession for the purpose of trafficking was yesterday remanded to prison after she denied the allegation.
Simone McPherson pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on February 24, she had in her possession 18 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. The matter was called before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 1.
Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question around 16:30 hrs, acting on information received, police went to the shop of the defendant; she was contacted and told the reason for them being there.
A search was conducted, during which a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems was found. She was told of the allegation, arrested and later charged. However, on being cautioned, the accused admitted being the owner of the illegal substance.
Attorney Mark Waldron applied for reasonable bail to be granted to his client. He said the accused was operating in her shop when police searched and found the alleged cannabis.
He said his client had no idea how the narcotics came to be there, but noted that the shop is open to the public and she is not the only person who has access to it. Waldron added that the defendant’s son also resided at her house sometimes and he could well have some knowledge of the alleged narcotics found.
The prosecution’s objection was upheld and bail was refused. The matter was adjourned to March 20 where it will be called again before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
