AN East La Penitence man accused of marijuana possession was ordered to lodge $50,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.Joel Halley, 23, of Lot 113 East La Penitence, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which stated that on Monday at East La Penitence, he had 12 grammes of cannabis sativa.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said a party of policemen from the Narcotics Branch went to the defendant’s home to conduct a search for narcotics.

The prosecutor said that on arrival the door was open and a container was seen on a bed by one of the ranks. The container was opened in the defendant’s presence and there were several packs of Ziploc bags containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be the illegal substance.

He said when Halley was told of the offence and cautioned, he told the ranks that he normally did a ‘hustle’ to make a living.
The case was transferred before Magistrate Fabayo Azore for report and fixture on February 20.
Written By Geeta Rampersaud