A mother of two from Number Two Village, East Canje, Berbice was remanded to prison yesterday after she was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Nalini Baldeo called ‘Julia’, 27, appeared before Magistrate Shredel Isaacs Marcus in the New Amsterdam court and pleaded not guilty of the charge.
It was alleged that on July 5, at Number Two Village, Baldeo had in her possession 63 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
Application for bail was made by the woman’s attorney Carolyn Artiga but was denied after prosecution objected on the grounds of the nature of the offence.
However, in the application for bail Artiga said the substance was found in the home where Baldeo resides with three children and her husband. It was noted that, the home of the defendant is frequently visited by friends. At the time the substance was found her husband was not at home and he has not been seen ever since.
The court also learnt that Baldeo does not work and depends solely on her husband for an income. Also she is the only person available to take care of her two children.
Artiga said if bail should be granted Baldeo would lodge her personal belongings and she is not at flight risk.
According to reports, on July 5, police were at the Lot 359 Number Two Village home to apprehend Charandat Chandradan, 35, who is wanted in relation to rape allegations.
However, Baldeo told the lawmen that the man was not at home.
As the woman turned away, it was alleged, a policeman saw her throw a black plastic bag out the window. The woman was instructed to open the bag after it was retrieved and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with some bamboos and scissors were found, it was alleged.
