MAGISTRATE Krystal Lambert sentenced a 54-year-old Balkisoon ‘Johnny’ Ramdass to four years imprisonment after he was found guilty of having 170 pounds of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The West Coast Demerara businessman was also fined a total of $115M. His trial was conducted before Magistrate Lambert at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s court. The matter was prosecuted by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor Konyo Sandiford.

The court heard that on June 9, 2016 at Almond Avenue, Roraima Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, he had in his possession 76.91 kilogram of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Three females, including the ex-wife of self-confessed drug-trafficker, Barry Dataram were also jointly charged with Ramdass; however the charges against them were dismissed during trial.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), acting on a tip-off, conducted the raid, seized 170 pounds of cannabis, and arrested the four accused.  Police believe that the marijuana, which was being compressed during the seizure, was being prepared to be shipped out of the country.