Five remanded for trafficking in narcotics

Five persons were on Monday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with trafficking in narcotics.

The head of the alleged drug cartel, Gordon Williams, 52, of 12 Perseverance and 25 Section C Street, Barima, Essequibo Coast; Marlyn Scott, 49, a well known businesswoman of 25 Section C Street, Barima; Marlon Scott, 28, a miner of 503 Respect Street, Onderneeming, Essequibo, Damien George, 32, of Second Phase Sandhill, Onderneeming, and Dennis Mohabir, 50, of Lot 68 Shell Road, Kitty appeared before Magistrate McLennan charged with trafficking of cocaine and marijuana.

The five accused pleaded not guilty to the charge, which read that on October 17 at Perseverance, Essequibo Coast, they were found in possession of 3.841 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Additionally, Williams and Marlyn Scott were charged separately for possession of 30.5 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking. Both denied the charge. Marlon Scott was charged separately for possession of 30 grams of cannabis sativa. He too denied the charge.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones told the Court that ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Narcotics Branch, travelled to Essequibo Coast where they launched an operation on the premises, where the drugs were found.

The Prosecutor said that on October 17, the ranks went to the house to conduct a search, and when they entered they saw the five accused sitting around a coffee table, with the cocaine on the centre of the table.

The ranks also seized US$4010 and $258,800. A further search of the house, the Prosecutor said, resulted in 23 grams of cannabis being found under a pillow in a room that was being occupied by Williams and Marlyn Scott, and another 30 grams of cannabis discovered on the person of Marlon Scott.

Williams was represented by Attorney Glen Hanoman and Marlyn Scott was by Attorney Mark Waldron, while the others were unrepresented.

Attorney Hanoman in a bail application told the Court that his client was in bed on the day in question since he was suffering from Tuberculosis and also has a broken arm. He further revealed that five persons are being charged for narcotics which were allegedly found in a house, which is occupied by several other persons as well as the accused.

Meanwhile, Attorney Waldron in his bail application told the Court that his client is a mother of two and is a well-known businesswoman on the Essequibo Coast. He said that on October 17, his client had gone to the building where the drugs were discovered since that is where her mechanic is located. He said his client also washes her vehicle at the same building as there is also a wash bay there.

Waldron told the Court that on the day of the incident, his client took her vehicle to undergo some repairs, and sometime later she was approached and searched by the Police. The Attorney further related that nothing was found on his client and she was told that she was free to leave, however 40 minutes later she was taken into custody and escorted to the Anna Regina Police Station.

Both Attorneys posited that their clients are not flight risks and requested reasonable bail.

Prosecutor Jones objected to bail, citing that there were no special reasons given. Bail was refused and the five were all remanded to prison.

The matter was transferred to the Suddie Magistrate’s Court and will continue on October 29.