TWO ex-police officers appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court where they pleaded not guilty to a charge of trafficking 19.13 pounds or nine kilograms of cannabis sativa.

The couple, Rokeshia Collins and Khushyal Grant, of Number Two Village, East Canje, were each granted bail in the sum of $150,000 and are expected to return to court on May 12.

Police said on April 19, ranks were on duty at a police checkpoint in the vicinity of the Berbice River Bridge when, at around 10:50hrs, they stopped a west-bound motorcar with four occupants — the driver, who is an ex- policeman, his wife, also an ex-cop and their two underaged children.

A search of the vehicle revealed seven parcels of suspected cannabis, and as the driver was being cautioned of the offence, his wife reportedly fled the checkpoint in the car along with the children.

The driver is in custody assisting with the investigation. The vehicle, which was later found parked in front of the suspects’ residence at No 2 Village, Canjie, Berbice, is presently lodged at Central Police Station.

The wife of the driver was subsequently arrested at their home and was charged.