Raid on ‘drug block’ nets cocaine

A 26-YEAR-OLD Bourda Market vendor was on Tuesday released on $100,000 bail for the offence of trafficking cocaine. He appeared before Magistrate Beverly Cheddi at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Night Court.Michael Ramgobin of Graham Street, Plaisance pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on October 14, at North Road, Bourda he had 3 ½ grams of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

According to reports, on the day in question police on patrol at the market conducted a raid at an area known as ‘the drug block’ and they saw the defendant throwing an object over a fence. The officers apprehended the defendant and retrieved the object – a black film container with a whitish bricklike substance inside, which was later confirmed to be cocaine.

Police Prosecutor, Shavon Jupiter strongly opposed to the vendor being released on bail citing the nature and penalty attached to the charge. However Magistrate Cheddi overruled the prosecutor’s objection, granted bail and adjourned the matter until October 31.
Bourda Market being used to traffic drugs

A STABROEK Market vendor who was found with marijuana in a black plastic bag by the police on Tuesday appeared before Magistrate Beverly Cheddi, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Night Court.

Marcel Fitzalbert, 37 of Festival City, North Ruimveldt is charged for having eight grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking on October 14, at the Stabroek Market. Fitzalbert denied that charge, while his lawyer Eusi Anderson pleaded with the court for his client to be released on bail. The lawyer pointed out that the vendor would only make $2,000 per day while also having to provide for his reputed wife and their baby.

Police Prosecutor, Shavon Jupiter made no objection to bail but requested that it be granted at a substantial amount with reporting conditions attached.

Magistrate Cheddi released the vendor on $50,000 and ordered him to return to court for October 31.

According to reports the vendor was arrested during a police raid at the Stabroek Market area during a sting operation. The suspect had several small Ziplock bags of cannabis in a larger bag he was carrying at his side.

Assistant Superintendent of the City Constabulary, Gordon Langevine said that the narcotic was found at the Stabroek Market, two gates from the main entrance. The man had attempted to flee when he observed the officers approaching, but was apprehended by a constable.

According to Langevine, “the elements” use the market to sell and smoke illegal substances. He said, too, that relatives and friends of stall-holders within the market often commit criminal acts and pretend to be vendors.

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