Alleged Port Kaituma ganja trafficker refused bail

Winic Reid, who police say tried to traffic a little over three pounds of compressed marijuana, was remanded to prison yesterday on a charge of possession of the narcotics for trafficking.

Reid, 23, of Lot 590 Dairy, West Coast Demerara, was read a charge which stated that on January 28, at Port Kaituma Waterfront, he had in his possession 1.4 kg (equivalent to just over three pounds) of cannabis for trafficking.

The compressed cannabis (Guyana Police Force photo)

Reid, who was represented by attorney Stanley Moore, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Georgetown.

According to a police press release issued last Saturday, Reid, an employee of a public transportation vessel who was on the police’s radar for some time, was arrested after almost 1.4 kg of compressed cannabis was found in a cabin of the said vessel, which was moored at Port Kaituma, North West District. The illegal substance was found in three taped parcels.

Moore, who made a bail application on behalf of his client, told the court that Reid, the father of a six-month-old baby, had no previous convictions or pending matters in the courts. The lawyer said that Reid is willing to give up his passport as a condition for his bail.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, who objected to Reid being granted bail, told the court that the analyst report on the narcotics is still outstanding.

Chief Magistrate McLennan subsequently remanded Reid to prison. His matter was adjourned until February 7, when it will be called at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.