Ganja trafficker jailed for 2 years, fined $50,985

Rondel Stephen, who in December 2023 has been charged with the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking but had denied the charge, on Tuesday admitted that he was guilty as charged when he made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Esther Sam in the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court. Stephen, a 41-year-old farmer and resident of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), had been apprehended on December 9, 2023 at Mainstay village on the Essequibo Coast with 33.99 grams of cannabis, and had been granted bail in the sum of $100,000 after appearing before Magistrate Esther Sam on December 13, 2023.

However, during the virtual court session on Tuesday, Stephen expressed his desire to change his plea to guilty, and Magistrate Sam accepted the plea and jailed him for two years. He has also been fined $50,985.
The charge was laid under Section 5 (1) (a) (i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act, chapter 10:10. (G9)