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Bail refused for two in John Fernandes ganja bust
The two who were apprehended in connection with the drug bust at John Fernandes Wharf, last week, appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charge of unlawful drug trafficking.
The defendants, Leyland Nicholas of 159 Curtis Street, Albouystown, and George Burrowes who resides at 24B Shell Road, Kitty, both pleaded not guilty to the charge when read.
They were then remanded to prison and are expected to make their next court appearance on July 5, next.
George Burrowes
The allegation brought against the duo states that on June 16, last, at the John Fernandes wharf they attempted to traffic 393.5 kilograms of cannabis.
Nicholas had another charge to answer to which accuses him of being in possession of a forged $100 US currency. He also pleaded not guilty to this added charged.
The court was then told in relation to Nicholas’s added charge which states that on June 14, the ranks acted on information received when they visited the defendant’s home about 07:40 hours in search of drugs. Instead they found a forged $100 US currency on the defendant’s person when a search was conducted.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with the offence.
Police Prosecutor Steven Telford stated that on June 16, the defendants met in the vicinity of Hadfield Street when they made the money transaction for them to uplift the 10 bags of marijuana.
The court was then told that CANU officers got an anonymous ‘tip off’ and went directly to the John Fernandes compound.
Upon arrival the ranks then saw Nicholas attending to the container which they suspected had contained the illegal drugs. He was questioned and subsequently pointed out where the illegal substance was hidden, the court heard.
The container was then searched by the ranks from the Criminal Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and they found the 10 traveling bags containing the marijuana.
Nicholas reportedly told the ranks the name of the tally clerk who assisted him. The person was said to be George Burrowes. They both were subsequently arrested and charged with the offence.
Roger Yearwood, who is representing the two defendants, told the court that his client Leyland Nicolas never pointed out anything to the CANU officers.
Mr. Yearwood informed the court that his clients were severely beaten by the CANU ranks and as a result of the beating they asked to see a doctor. They were denied the request.
Yearwood stated that his clients are not flight risks and that they would be happy to return to court and defend themselves if bail should be granted.
The container had arrived from Jamaica aboard the MV Stadt Luneburg. Ranks believed that the drugs were loaded on the vessel in Jamaica.
According to sources, the container arrived on June 12 with a shipment of shoes for a footwear importer. It is unclear if anyone from the individual’s establishment was questioned in connection with the drug find.
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