BRAZILIAN national, Leymar Leite De Lima, was Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a narcotics charge. Through an interpreter, the defendant who resides at Lot 407 Tabitinga, Lethem, Rupununi, denied the allegation when it was read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Particulars of the charge stated that on Wednesday, March 25, at Lethem Multi-Complex, he had in his possession two-and-a-half grammes of cocaine.
The Brazilian was represented by Attorney-At-Law Mr. Jerome Khan. He told the court that his client works with his relatives in Lethem as well as in Boa Vista, Brazil. Khan requested bail for De Lima on the grounds that he does not have any prior matters.
According to the defence counsel, his client was heading to Brazil when he was stopped and the illicit drug was found. He brought to the court’s attention that De Lima did not know what to say, since he cannot communicate freely.
Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru said that police ranks were on patrol when they stopped the defendant who was riding a motorcycle. Subsequently, a search was carried out and the prohibited substance was found in his right side back pocket. He was told of the offence and arrested and charged.
Mangru successfully opposed bail on the grounds that the court must have a special reason in relation to the matter for bail to be granted.
The Chief Magistrate questioned whether De Lima had a work permit or ties to Guyana and his attorney-at-law responded that he has ties to this country.
Nevertheless, the prosecution’s objection was upheld and the matter was transferred to Lethem Court for June 1.