TWENTY-four-year-old Natasha Livingstone, a mother of one and of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was on Monday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on a trafficking in narcotics charge.

It is alleged that on September 19 at Mabaruma, Livingstone had in her possession 102 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

Attorney-at-Law Ms. Sandiford Thompson, representing Livingstone, told the court that on the day in question, her client had two bags in her possession. She explained that her client had gone to the washroom during a stop-and-search exercise, and upon returning to her luggage, was told of the offence and arrested and charged.

Counsel said her client has no knowledge of the narcotics, and further, the vehicle was a multiple-occupancy vehicle.

Counsel requested bail in a reasonable sum, stating that her client is presently pregnant and is not a flight risk. She added that her client has been a cook in the interior for about six or seven years, but will attend her trial.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant opposed bail, telling the court that the search was conducted in the presence of the defendant. He opposed bail on the grounds of the nature and prevalence of the offence, and the fact that the defence’s reason cannot be considered as special reasons for bail to be granted.

Livingstone was remanded to prison, and the case was transferred to the Linden Court for October 14.