A man was on Monday asked to post $75,000 bail for his release after he denied having possession of cannabis for trafficking.
Ceretse Rogers, 30, of Lot 366 Block ‘X’, Plantation, Mocha Arcadia, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of possession of 30 grammes of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking on August 20th, in the vicinity of Stabroek Market.
Rogers pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He was represented by attorney-at-law Bernard Da Silva, who informed the court that his client is expecting a child with his fiancé and that he is currently employed as a porter at a business his aunt owns.
He also mentioned that Rogers was incarcerated when he was 18 for a separate charge and had served his time.
The attorney mentioned that his client was arrested last week by a rank from the city constabulary and was told of the allegation against him. However, he maintained that his client was not in possession of the illicit substance or any other for that matter.
Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, however, told the court that on the day in question, two ranks were making security checks at the market after it was closed. They noticed the defendant holding a multi-coloured bag. When they called out to him, he dropped the bag and ran off. The ranks approached the bag and found the suspected narcotics in it. Rogers was subsequently located and arrested.
Prosecutor Mansfield did not object to bail being granted on the condition that Rogers reports to the Providence Police Station every Friday at 8 am until the conclusion of his trial. The Chief Magistrate granted Rogers his release on $75,000 bail along with the condition requested by the police prosecutor. The matter was adjourned until September 23rd.
