A SINGLE-parent mother of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was on Tuesday remanded to prison on a narcotics charge. Beverly Chase made her appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and denied the charge, particulars of which said that on Monday, February 23, at Arangoy, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, she had in her possession 18 grammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana).

The mother of three was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Mark Conway, who told the court that the illegal substance was found on a table outside of the shop where his client works.
Defence counsel noted that Chase works behind the counter; is not the only person who works in the shop, and that she had just taken over her shift. He added that his does not have any prior conviction.
Police prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that police ranks received information and carried out a search. As a result of the search, a plastic bag containing the illicit substance was found on a table in the shop to which the defendant had access.
Bail was refused and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Court for March 5.