Truck driver charged for narco trafficking

A truck driver of Buckhall, Essequibo River, was refused bail at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Leroy Fraser, 43, pleaded guilty with explanation before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It was alleged that on October 26, 2016, at the Police Outpost at Mabaruma he had in his possession 674 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers stated that on the day in question, Police were conducting a routine search at the Police Outpost when they discovered a black plastic bag with three transparent plastics containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The illicit drug was discovered in the steering wheel of the vehicle which Fraser was driving. In addition, he stated that Fraser was the only occupant in the vehicle.

Fraser, who was unrepresented by any attorney, challenged the prosecution’s case, claiming that the drug was found underneath his truck and not in his steering wheel. He said that Police Officers had to get a light to retrieve the drug. He further added that he was not caught with the drug at the Outpost but at the Landing after Police stopped him there again.

He continued that upon discovery of the drub by police officers he immediately pointed out a suspect called “Dougla” to the officers whom he recalled had asked him to transport some drugs for him. He explained to the Chief Magistrate that he told the man “no”; that he does not like to be part of those things.

In addition, he stated that “Dougla” was subsequently arrested and released Friday morning from the Police Station.

After listening to the defendant’s lengthy explanation, the Chief Magistrate entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Fraser will make his next court appearance on November 18, 2016.