BERBICE cattle farmer Kenneth Hazel, a single father of one and resident of Grant 1067 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, appeared yesterday before city magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with trafficking cocaine.The unrepresented 45-year-old was remanded to September 29, although he pleaded not guilty to the charge alleging that on September 18, at Crabwood Creek Corentyne, he had in his possession 1.6 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

He detailed to the court that, on the day of his arrest, he was taking his daughter to school when police officers stopped him; but police prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that police had been observing the defendant on a sting operation, and on the day in question, the ranks observed the defendant acting in a suspicious manner. He was therefore approached by the police, and was seen throwing the object on the ground.

Hazel begged the court for leniency, stating that he is the only person available to take care of a minor child, and that he has no relatives. The tearful defendant protested his innocence, stating that he does not smoke and that he has no family members.

The matter has been transferred before the Springlands Magistrates’ Court for September 29.
(Geeta Rampersaud)