A BUSINESSMAN of Lot 164 Charlotte Street, Georgetown, was yesterday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after the police allegedly busted him with cocaine and marijuana.Paul Campbell, 43, pleaded not guilty to both charges, one of which said that on March 4 at Lot 164 Charlotte Street, he had in his possession 80 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Particulars of the other charge said that on the same day and place he also had in his possession 40 grammes of marijuana for the same purpose.
Campbell was represented by attorney-at-law Mr. Mark Waldron. He told the court that the police went to Campbell’s home which is also the apartment building he owns. He added that at the time the defendant was standing in the company of three other men and they all were searched but nothing was found on their person. The police then searched the bottom flat of the house and came up empty-handed. He added that the police proceeded to the upper flat of the building where the substance was found but not in the presence of his client but rather before Campbell’s tenant who is a security guard. Counsel added that the police then sent a message to Campbell stating they wanted to see him but when he arrived at the station he was arrested and charged.
According to the prosecution’s facts, the ranks claimed that they conducted a search on Campbell and three others and nothing was found. But when they proceeded to the upper flat, Campbell ran out of the house and made good his escape. However, the police continued their search and unearthed the cocaine and marijuana under a ledge in a tenant’s room.
However, on March 9, he turned himself in to the police in the presence of his attorney. The defence attorney told the court that his client never ran away; rather he was not present when the alleged drugs were found.
Despite the defence application for bail, he was denied pretrial liberty and the matter was transferred before Magistrate Fabayo Azore for March 21 for statements.