TWENTY-three-year-old Dexter Franklin appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday charged with the illegal possession of cannabis.It is alleged that on July 18, at Aishalton Village, Region 9, Franklin had in his possession 465 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking.

The defendant, who resides at Lot 30 Lethem, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was represented by Attorney Moti Singh who pleaded for bail. The lawyer told the court that on the day in question, his client was among several other persons travelling in a truck that was stopped and searched by police. Singh said that the alleged narcotics were found in the tray of the vehicle and police arrested and charged his client.

However, Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail on the ground that no special reasons were given to satisfy the court. He said that Franklin admitted to ownership of the drug which was found behind the seat in which he was sitting.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Franklin until September 01 and transferred his matter to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.