FORTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Roger Samuels of Punt Trench Dam, Independence Boulevard, Georgetown appeared, yesterday, before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer to the charge that on June 27 at Camp Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 68 grammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

Police prosecutor Inspector Joel Ricknauth said that on the day in question, the defendant and other prisoners were returning from the Police Sports Club when it was observed that Samuels was walking in an unusual manner, so he was taken to the Medex for an anal examination, which unearthed a white plastic bag containing the substance.

The prosecutor said Samuels was told of the offence committed, and he responded, “I have to hustle!”

Samuels unrepresented, pleaded guilty to the offence. According to the defendant, the police were planning for him, and on that day a Medex pushed her hand up his ‘bamsy.’

He said he is a hardworking person and is pleading guilty to the charge because he does not wish to make a long story out of it.

He also explained that he is presently serving a four-year sentence on a simple larceny matter, and has fourteen months remaining on that term. He added that he is a father of three, and his child-mother is dead.

Samuels complained that prison is hard, and he begged the magistrate to have mercy on him, because he has to purchase everything he needs in prison.

He was fined $10,000 and sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment.

(By Geeta Rampersaud)