Quincy Lawrence Gonzales, a 48-year-old painter from Lot 14, Republic Drive, Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara (ECD) was remanded to prison on Wednesday after appearing in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty.
Gonzales was charged with possession of 371 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.
Charged: Quincy Lawrence Gonzales
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on Water Street, Georgetown, on January 21, 2025.
According to the prosecution, law enforcement had received information about an individual trafficking a large quantity of marijuana in the Water Street area.
Officers, acting on this intelligence, went to the area and saw Gonzales apparently running away from them while carrying a bag.
They allegedly gave chase, apprehended him, and discovered that the bag contained marijuana.
In his defence, Gonzales told the court that he was in the market buying goods when he noticed people running and decided to run as well.
He explained that when the police approached him, they found a bag on the ground, which they mistakenly believed was his.
Gonzales denied owning the marijuana or the bag, stating he had not been carrying it at the time of his arrest.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing the serious nature of the offence and the large amount of marijuana found.
They contended that Gonzales was seen with the bag in his possession, and their evidence indicated he was involved in the trafficking operation.
Magistrate McGusty questioned Gonzales about whether he had any prior issues with any of the officers involved in his arrest, to which he responded negatively.
When asked why he thought someone would want to frame him, Gonzales replied, “Somebody might have to take the blame.”
Gonzales, who was unrepresented in court, was remanded to prison after Magistrate Mc Gusty denied bail.
He is scheduled to return to court on February 7, 2025, for a report and further statements regarding the matter.
