A baker and his reputed wife were yesterday each granted their release on $400,000 bail after they denied a charge of possession of cannabis for trafficking.
Colin Denny, 37, and Malika Softleigh, 35, a housewife, were brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who read the charge to them.
It was alleged that the two, between November 14 and November 15, at Lot 6 ‘C’ Tucville Terrace, trafficked 57.8608 grammes of cannabis.
Both defendants, of Lot 41 Charles and Howes streets, Charlestown, denied the charges.
According to police prosecutor Arvin Moore, who stood in for Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) prosecutor Konyo Sandiford, CANU ranks, acting on an intelligence report, found the cannabis in three 100-pound gas cylinders at the Tucville address.
The cylinders, which were purchased by Softleigh, had been sent to Berbice and were then returned to Georgetown, at the home of Softleigh’s cousin at Tucville.
At the Tucville address, the cylinders were cut open and mud was found stuffed into the bottom along with black plastic. When the plastic was removed, several parcels of transparent packages, containing leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis, were found. Moore noted that all the parties at the home were arrested along with both accused.
The prosecutor then objected to bail being granted, citing the nature of the offence, and the prevalence.
However, attorney James Bond, who represented both defendants, said his clients were implicated in the crime by an individual who was also charged for the same offence. He claimed that the drugs were found at the home of that individual and that his clients ought to be granted bail since they were not a flight risk.
His bail request was later granted by the Chief Magistrate and each was released on $400,000 bail, with the condition that they lodge their passports and report to CANU every Friday until the completion of the trial.
The matter was then adjourned until December 18.
