FIVE persons charged with trafficking in narcotics were yesterday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. In custody are: Gordon Williams, called ‘Monkey Harry’ (52) of 12 Perseverance and 25 Section ‘C’ Street, Barima, Essequibo Coast; Marlyn Laurna Scott (49), a well-known business woman of 25 Section ‘C’ Street, Barima, Essequibo Coast; Marlon Scott (28), a miner of 503 Respect Street, Onderneeming, Essequibo; Damien George (32) of Second Phase Sandhill, Onderneeming, Essequibo; and Dennis Mohabir (50) of 68 Shell Road, Kitty. All appeared before the magistrate charged with trafficking narcotics in the form of marijuana and cocaine.
The five accused pleaded not guilty to the charges which read that on Saturday, October 17 at Perseverance, Essequibo Coast they were found in possession of 3.841 kilograms of cocaine. Additionally, Williams and Marlyn Scott both denied that they were found in possession of 23 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking, and Marlon Scott denied a charge which read that on the same occasion he was found in possession of 30.5 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking.
According to the facts presented by Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department-Narcotics branch, while acting on information received travelled to Essequibo where they launched an operation which saw the premises where the drugs were found placed under surveillance. On the day in question, the ranks went to the house to conduct a search, and when they entered they saw the five accused sitting around a coffee table, with the cocaine in the center of the coffee table. The ranks also seized US$4,010 and GYD$258,800 during the raid. A further search of the house resulted in 23 grams of cannabis being found under a pillow in a room that was being occupied by Williams and Marlyn Scott, and 30 grams of cannabis being discovered on the person of Marlon Scott.
Williams was represented by Attorney Glen Hanoman and Marlyn Scott was represented by Attorney Mark Waldron while the others were unrepresented.
Prosecutor Jones objected to bail citing that there were no special reasons given. Bail was refused and the five accused were remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to the Suddie Magistrate’s Court for October 29.