An Albouystown resident was yesterday refused bail after he denied having a quantity of cocaine, which was allegedly found in a match box and his pocket.
Lennox Smith, 28, of James Street, Albouystown, pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking when it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court 1.
It is alleged that he had in his possession 4 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
According to the prosecution, on the day in question, police ranks were on mobile patrol when Smith was spotted walking along the street. He was stopped and a search was conducted on him, where a red Swinger match box was found in his crotch. A further search revealed a Ziploc bag in his pocket, both of which contained the alleged illegal substance. Smith was told of the offence and cautioned during which he remained silent.
Attorney Jerome Khan begged the court to grant bail in a reasonable sum while taking into consideration the length of time for his client’s next court appearance. Khan said his client works as a miner in Region 9 and recently came home for a little break and was accused of the said offence.
He also claimed that the search conducted on Smith found nothing and the entire case was nothing but a set up.
Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru objected to bail and urged the court to find that the special reasons raised by counsel were not sufficient for the accused to be granted bail. The matter will be called again at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on September 7.
