FOUR residents of Bartica faced charges related to narcotics trafficking after authorities discovered 272 grammes of cannabis in their possession. The case concluded this week at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
The accused were identified as Tecina Angel Wills, 22, a Fire Woman of Two and a Half Miles, Bartica–Potaro Road; Rhon Smith, 36, a Labourer of Mora Camp, Bartica; Walter Benn, 27, a Prison Officer of Mora Camp, Bartica; and Melissa Allen, 28, a Vendor of Mora Camp, Bartica, Essequibo River.
All four were arrested on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and formally charged the following day with Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking, an offence under Guyana’s narcotics legislation which carries custodial sentences for the production, possession, or distribution of controlled substances with intent to sell.
The matter was heard on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed. Following the trial, Tecina Angel Wills and Rhon Smith were found guilty and each sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. Walter Benn pleaded guilty to the charge and received a three-year prison term. Melissa Allen was acquitted, and the charge against her was dismissed.
