–remanded to prison

STAFF Sergeants Adisa Higgins and Colvis Sam of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were formally charged with drug trafficking during their arraignment at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.
They appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce. Higgins was represented by Attorney Bernard Da Silva. Da Silva appeared in association with Attorney Patrice Henry for Sam.

Higgins and Sam pleaded not guilty to the joint allegation.

Bail was denied, and both soldiers were remanded to prison.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for August 12, 2024 for disclosure.

The police apprehended the Joint Services members during the early hours of July 18, 2024, following the discovery of 22 large bags containing approximately 154 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle they were occupying. In accordance with an official statement released by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the detection occurred during a coordinated police operation, driven by intelligence, involving members from the Special Branch and Regional Division 4 ‘B’. They conducted a search of the GDF-owned vehicle, DFB 1786.
The vehicle was stopped at Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Both men are stationed at GDF’s Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown.

Simultaneously, the GDF has released a statement confirming their investigation into the drug seizure. The Force highlighted the detrimental effect of such actions on the public’s trust and confidence in their authority.
“The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is investigating an incident involving the transporting of marijuana in a service vehicle by two Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNOCs), Staff Sergeant Adisa Higgins and Sergeant Colvis Sam.
“The GDF is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct among its ranks and does not condone any behaviour that undermines the trust and confidence reposed in the Force by the public. The Force is fully collaborating with the Guyana Police Force to address this matter.

“The Force wishes to reassure the public that this incident is an anomaly and does not reflect the character and dedication of the men and women who serve. The GDF remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the people of Guyana with the highest level of professionalism and integrity,” a GDF release said.