VANESSA Stephens of Lot 48 Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, was on Tuesday refused bail on a narcotics charge. Before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge, particulars of which said that on February 23 at Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara, she had in her possession 576 grammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana).

On the day in question, Stephens was an incoming passenger on LIAT flight 512 from St. Vincent. After a procedural check was done at the airport, the illicit substance was found in her hand piece. She then told law-enforcement officers that she had bought it to make tea.
She was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Sparendaam Court for today.