BROTHERS Curtly Thomas, 25, of Chelsea Park, Mahaica, East Coast of Demerara and Clifford Thomas, 28, of Lot 35 Bachelors Adventure, East Coast of Demerara appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry Monday to answer to two joint charges and two separate charges of trafficking in illicit drugs.

They each pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against them.

Particulars of the first joint charge are that on March 7, at West Middle Walk, Bachelors Adventure, they had six grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The second charge is that, on the same day, they had 17 grammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) for the same purpose.

The third charge is that, on the same day, Clifford had in his possession 35 grammes of cocaine for trafficking.
And the fourth charge detailed that Curtly had 325 grammes of marijuana for trafficking.

Police Inspector Michael Grant, prosecuting, said ranks from the Narcotics Branch, acting on information, went to the defendants’ home and informed them of the reason for the police visit. With the Thomases’ permission, a search was conducted in the home, and the illegal substances were found.

The prosecutor successfully objected to bail on the grounds of the nature and gravity of the charge. He said that in order for bail to be granted, the statue required special reasons.

Attorney-at-law, Mr. Sandil Kissoon represented the duo. In response to the Prosecutor’s objection, he said that the nature and prevalence of the offence is not a ground for objection to bail, and also that the quantum of the seized drugs cannot be used to object to bail. He noted that the only objective ground is the charge, and the section is a non-bailable offence that is subject to special reasons.

The lawyer said Clifford is a mason with no prior conviction, and resides in the home with five other occupants, including his mother. He said the defendant was never in care or control of the prohibited substance.

He said the other defendant resides with his father at Chelsea Park and is self-employed. He said that the charges cannot be split up, and they have been improperly instituted, since the police are alleging in the same premise.

The prosecutor responded that the quantum of drugs involved in the two joint charges was found in the house, and that the two men had pointed out to the ranks their individual rooms, where the remaining narcotics were found.

The bail objection was upheld, and the case was transferred to the Vigilance Court, on the East Coast of Demerara, for March 13.