Mechanic slapped with narco trafficking charge

A 27-year-old mechanic was remanded to prison for 26 grams of cannabis following an unsuccessful bail application by his lawyer when he faced Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday.
The charge against Raphael Cadogen read that on April 17, 2017 in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District, he had in his possession 26 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.
In his submission for bail, Cadogen’s Attorney related that his client was a father of two and had a family to maintain, being the sole breadwinner of the household.
He added that the “suspected substance” was found in a motor vehicle, which his client had no knowledge or control of.
Thereby, in these circumstances, he requested that Cadogen be released on bail, pending the outcome of the matter. In addition, the lawyer expressed his client’s willingness to comply with any conditions the court imposed, should bail be granted.
The prosecution strongly objected to the lawyer’s application, positing that the drugs were found in Cadogen’s pants when Police conducted a search on him.
Moore pronounced the high possibility of the defendant fleeing the jurisdiction in the event that he was released.
Bail was denied, and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, where it was expected to continue on May 12.