Crane businessman charged over marijuana

A Crane, West Bank Demerara businessman was yesterday charged and remanded to prison over 4.236 kilos (9.3lbs) of marijuana. The narcotic was found at the home of the businessman by police on Sunday.

Forty-seven-year-old Ryan Joseph called ‘Decky’, of Lot 249 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, was arraigned before presiding Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that he was in possession of the narcotic for the purpose of trafficking and was cultivating Cannabis sativa – a prohibited plant.

Joseph is expected to return to court on January 25, 2021. According to police, ranks acting on intelligence gathered, went to the suspect’s home at approximately 5.30 am and carried out a search.  Police said the narcotic was discovered at the bottom of a blue plastic barrel which was opened by the businessman himself.

“One black garbage bag containing three bulky transparent plastic parcels containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis was discovered,” police stated.

The businessman was told of the offence committed and under caution he replied saying “Is me weed don’t involve meh family.” A further search conducted on the premises led to the discovery of a suspected Cannabis sativa plant which was about two and a half feet in height under a golden apple tree located at the back of the yard.

“The businessman was shown the plant and told of the offence and he replied, “Is me plant don’t involve meh family,” police also stated.