GOLD miner Sherwin Hinds of 126 Third Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven, appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer the charge that, on April 24, while he was at the Bartica Police Station, he had in his possession cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.The 39-year-old father of three denied being busted with more than 1394 grams of cannabis during a search on his person conducted by the police.

His attorney, Peter Hugh, arguing for him to be placed on bail, said the alleged drug was found in a haversack on a boat arriving in Bartica from Parika. The attorney also said that Hinds never claimed ownership of the bag or its contents, but was charged by the police.

However, Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers, explained that ranks acting on a tip-off saw the defendant with the haversack acting in a suspicious manner and took him to the station. While there, a search was conducted on His haversack and the marijuana was found concealed inside.

Hinds was refused bail, and the matter was transferred before the Bartica Magistrate for May 20.