Two Brazilian brothers were on Wednesday remanded after they appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the possession of narcotics, to which they both pleaded not guilty.
It is alleged that on March 20 at the Takutu Bridge, Lethem in the Rupununi District, Edilayaro C. Mangabiera and Evandro C. Mangabiera had in their possession 794 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
Corporal Venetta Pindar, prosecuting, told the court that on the said day, police ranks from the Lethem Police Station were on patrol in the vicinity of the Takutu Bridge when they saw the defendants approaching the bridge. They were contacted by the said ranks and a search was carried out on their person. In a black haversack which the number one defendant was carrying were two plastic bags containing leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis. The two were arrested, told of the offence and subsequently charged.
With an interpreter present, the Brazilian brothers related what had happened on the day in question. They stated that a friend had asked them to pick up the bag over the border. When asked why they did not check the bag, they replied that was because it was enclosed.
Prosecutor Stephen Telford made an application for bail to be refused and for the matter to be transferred to the Lethem Magistrates’ Court which was granted by Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry. The matter was adjourned until June 7.
