SURINAMESE national Rachlie Grad called Blacka, allegedly had Hashish, and Ecstasy, both prohibited narcotics, while he was an incoming passenger at ‘Gloves Landing’ at Number 78 Foreshore, Corriverton, Corentyne.The 31-one-year-old carpenter of Pammanga Straat, Number 58 Paramaribo, appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, where he pleaded not guilty to two charges of trafficking in narcotics.

Particulars of the offence stated on August 13, at Number 78 Foreshore, he had in his possession twenty seven grams of hashish [a sticky, thick, dark-colored resin (like sap), which is made from the flower of the female cannabis plant].

He is also charged with being in possession of nine grams of Ecstasy, [a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions). It is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception].

On August 13, Guyana Revenue Enforcement Officers accompanied by the police, were conducting searches on incoming passengers at the ‘back track’ landing. The defendant’s luggage was checked, and in a half pair Air Max sneakers the prohibited drugs were found. In response to questions by the officers, the defendant had revealed that he had brought the drugs from a friend named ‘Ocha’ of Parika. Grad, who was unrepresented has been remanded to prison until August 25.