Andray Abel, 26, a taxi-driver who was intercepted last week, allegedly with over 150 pounds of cannabis in his car, was yesterday charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and remanded to prison.
Abel, of Mahaicony East Coast Demerara, was charged in a city court with having possession of 76.6 kilogrammes (approximately 169 pounds) of cannabis on December 3, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
Police had reported that ranks of the Narcotics Branch conducted a search on a vehicle on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, during which the marijuana was found. They had said a man has been detained for questioning.
Abel pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecution said after the cannabis was found in Abel’s car, he admitted knowledge of the narcotics to them.
Abel’s lawyer offered a different account. He said that during the course of his client’s work, he was stopped by the police, who conducted a search on the vehicle and found the narcotics. However, he asserted that Abel had no knowledge of the sealed package that contained the cannabis.
After hearing the submissions, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded Abel to prison. His next court appearance is on January 7, when the matter is to be called for statements.
