Vendor refused bail on ganja trafficking charge

A vendor, allegedly caught with a quantity of cannabis, was yesterday remanded to prison when she appeared in a city court.

Natasha Jordan, 35, of Lot 56 Bent Street, Wortmanville, pleaded not guilty to the allegation which stated that on April 10, she had in her possession 43 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones told Magistrate Judy Latchman that police, acting on information received, went to the Bent Street house. Jones said the defendant was in her shop and upon seeing the police ranks approaching her yard she put a black plastic bag in her pants. A search was subsequently conducted and 33 transparent plastic bags were unearthed. Under caution, Jordan allegedly told the lawmen, “Is a brethren pass and sell me for $4,000, I don’t sell it.”

Jones objected to bail based on the nature and gravity of the offence and the penalty it attracts. He also noted that the offence requires special reasons before bail could be granted.

Attorney Dexter Todd, during his bail application, said the police found the illegal substance behind a door of the shop, while Jordan lives in the flat overhead. He furthered noted that a number of persons were present in the shop at the time of the discovery but they all immediately left.

Todd also said he found it very concerning that Jordan was forced to change her clothes in the presence of the officers after the police told his client that she had to accompany them to the station. He also said it was only after Jordan was brought to the court that she was told that the illegal substance was found in her underwear.

Bail was refused and the case was adjourned to April 28 for trial.