A VENEZUELAN miner who was allegedly caught by police at Kaikan Village, Cuyuni River with over two pounds of cannabis stashed in his haversack, was on Monday remanded by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for drug trafficking.

Franklin Gonsalves, 29, denied that on July 9, 2018 at Kaikan Village he had 1000 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded to the charge with the aid of an interpreter.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Gordon Mansfield strongly opposed Gonsalves being granted his pretrial liberty on the grounds that the accused posed a flight risk.
According to the police facts, the defendant was searched and the drug was found in a bowl he had hidden in his haversack.

After listening to the prosecution’s objection, the Chief Magistrate refused Gonsalves bail and remanded him to prison. The matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court for September 17.