A Paradise man was remanded to prison on Thursday after a court heard that he fled from his home when Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) officers attempted to arrest him for suspected possession of narcotics.
Rawle Junior Farrell, 32, of Sixth Street, Paradise Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge that on March 29, at Dazzell Housing Scheme, he had in his possession 1.5 kg [3.3lbs] of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
He was represented by attorney-at-law Eusi Anthony, who told the court that his client is innocent. He also made an application for bail to be granted. However, Ferrell was remanded after CANU Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford objected to bail and stated that the man may be a flight risk.
He will make his next court appearance on April 29.
It was previously reported by this newspaper that CANU conducted an operation at Farrell’s home on March 29 at about 3pm. According to CANU, Ferrell made good his escape despite the ranks’ instructions that he stop. After the man ran away, a search conducted in Farrell’s home revealed several plastic bags and bulky parcels with leaves, seed and stems, suspected to be cannabis, at the property.
CANU further said that while officers were conducting their operation at the premises, they were approached by Ferrell’s mother, who assured ranks that she would bring her son into CANU headquarters to be questioned.
An arrest warrant was then issued for Ferrell on March 30 and he turned himself in to the Headquarters on April 5. He was accompanied by his mother and his attorney. Anthony has since argued that his client fled on the day of the operation because the CANU ranks discharged no less than five shots in his direction. He also said that according to Ferrell, the ranks bore no identifying marks and didn’t attempt to identify themselves.
