TWO police constables attached to the traffic department in New Amsterdam, Berbice will now spend the Christmas holidays in prison after being remanded for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking on Thursday.The B Division constables attached to the Central Police Station: Bharat Chattarpaul, 28 of Lot 47 Princeton, Corriverton and Delroy Fraser, 24 of Belladrum Village, West Coast Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Whim Magistrate’s Court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Chatterpaul’s Attorney Chandra Sohan in his application for bail stated that his client was not a flight-risk and has been suffering from bronchial asthma for over 10 years.

The two lawmen were arrested on Monday afternoon after they were seen standing next to hire car HC 3179 reportedly owned by Chatterpaul. Their behaviour caught the attention of a senior officer who questioned their presence at that time. Their response did not please the officer and he requested the keys to the heavily-tinted vehicle. However, the constable refused and the officer decided to break the driver’s side window to gain entry into the car. The senior officer carried out a search inside the car but found nothing. He later opened the trunk and found a rice bag that concealed a shoulder bag. Upon checking the shoulder bag the officer discovered two transparent plastic bags inside which contained leaves, stems and seeds believed to be marijuana. The contents weighed in the presence of the two men amounted of 5KG.

Meanwhile, Sohan further argued that at the time the car was broken into his client was not present. Sohan stated that his client was on an assignment from the Deputy Divisional Commander on the Corentyne and his co-accused constable Fraser was using his car the entire day.

Sohan who also represented Fraser in the absence of his attorney Kim Kyte stated that consideration should also be given to the fact that his clients may be placed in the same section as prisoners that they may have helped put away in the execution of their jobs. Police Prosecutor Phillip Sheriff however argued that the facts of the case differ from that which the defense attorney presented. Further, the prosecutor argued that given the nature and prevalence of the offence coupled with the quantity of marijuana discovered bail should be refused for both lawmen.

Magistrate Artiga after listening to both sides refused bail and stated that due to the fact that both men are law enforcement officers is reason alone to refuse bail. She further addressed the concerns presented by attorney Sohan stating that the men will be kept away from prisoners whom they claim to have come in contact with in the past. The magistrate stated that Chatterpaul’s alleged medical condition can be treated from prison should he suffer an attack. The men were then remanded until 30th December when they will make their second appearance.