A 19-year-old cook, Shaniya Goddett, was granted $40,000 bail on Thursday for alleged cannabis trafficking.

Goddette, of New Amsterdam, Berbice, appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert.

The accused woman pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on Wednesday last, at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), she had 36 grams of cannabis in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

She will return to court on June 10.

According to a police report, officers from the Bartica Police Station conducted searches on incoming passengers from Parika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) at the Bartica Stelling.

During the police operation, the law enforcement agency said, Goddette was searched and transparent plastic with a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis, was reportedly found in her possession.

According to the police, Goddette under caution admitted ownership, indicating that the cannabis is for her personal use.