Following a recent cocaine bust in the Pomeroon River by the police, a 37-year-old farmer was on Thursday hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates Court to answer to a drug trafficking charge.

Wayne Correia pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Particulars of the charge alleged that on November 20, 2018, at Pomeroon River Landing, Correia had 2.2kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the facts presented in court by Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, ranks from the Police Narcotics Branch acting on a ‘tip-off’, went to the defendant’s home which is located on an island in the Pomeroon River.

During the search a quantity of cocaine was found in a wooden box in his workshop, while another was found in a cooler under his home which is a couple of feet off the ground.

The prosecutor strongly opposed to Correia being released on bail citing the nature and gravity of the charge.

The Chief Magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favor and remanded Correia to prison until December 10. His matter was transferred to the Charity Magistrates Court for hearing.