Dredge owner busted with ganja

…released on $200,000 bail

When he made his first appearance on Thursday, in Court One before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Andre Gravesande stood charged with trafficking in narcotics.
The charge stated that on December 25, 2017, at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, the accused had in his possession some 89.4 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
The accused vehemently denied the allegation, and following a successful bail application by defence Attorney Keisha Persaud, was released on $200,000 bail. According to the defence lawyer, Gravesande is a 24-year-old businessman and owner of a dredge which operates in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District (Region Seven). The father of two is reported to be the sole breadwinner for his family, and is expecting a third child. He lives with his family in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Meanwhile, Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore told the court that on the day in question, Police spotted the defendant with a plastic bag in his hands, displaying an attitude which aroused much suspicion. The Police approached him and conducted a search on his person, leading to the discovery of a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. Gravesande was cautioned and taken into Police custody, where the suspected narcotic was weighed in his presence.
Moore did not object to bail being granted, but requested that the accused report on a weekly basis to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Brickdam pending the outcome of his trial. The analyst report is outstanding, and the file stands incomplete.
The Chief Magistrate upheld the conditions suggested by the prosecutor, and urged the defendant to attend every court hearing. She also warned him of the consequences of failing to attend court.
This case will be called again on January 13, 2017.