TWO construction workers and a businesswoman from Bartica were, on FridaY, released on $500,000 bail each, after pleading not guilty to a drug trafficking charge following the discovery of cannabis during a police operation earlier this week.
Eric David, 23, and Keegon Cummings, 25, both construction workers of Three Miles, Bartica, along with Whitney Fraser, 35, a businesswoman of Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica, appeared via Zoom before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
The charge, contrary to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10, was read to them. It is alleged that, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica, Essequibo River, the trio had in their possession 288 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
The matter has been adjourned to March 27, 2026, for continuation.
According to a police report, the charges stem from an intelligence-led operation conducted on the day in question, around 18:00 hrs at a residence in Four Miles Housing Scheme.
Police said that upon arrival at the premises, ranks observed a bag being thrown over the back fence. They immediately proceeded to the backyard, where three individuals were present, and retrieved the bag.
Upon examination, the bag reportedly contained a transparent plastic bag with several small ziplock parcels holding leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The substance was weighed in the presence of the suspects and amounted to 288 grams before being lodged.
The trio, who were all occupants of the home, were arrested and escorted to the Bartica Police Station.