PATRICIA Thomas appeared on Monday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to a narcotics charge alleging that on March 18, at Amatuk Landing, Potaro River, Essequibo, she had 19 grams of cannabis in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.Attorney-at-law Jerome Khan, representing the 56-year-old Thomas, requested that she be put on reasonable bail. He explained that his client works as a cook for tour companies such as Guyana Adventure and Rainforest Tours.

Khan said police conducted a search at his client’s home, where multiple persons reside, and found the illegal substance.

“The police arrested only my client because she is from the Rastafarian faith…. Also, my client was shown two spiffs by ranks, which they tried to pin on her,” the lawyer contended as he addressed the court.

Police prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers did not object to bail being granted Thomas, and same was granted in the sum of $50,000. Thomas will appear before the Mahdia magistrate on April 20.