Man gets 3 years for ganja possession

A 40-year-old man who, since November last, has been on trial after Police found him at his home packaging cannabis, was on Tuesday jailed for three years by Magistrate Leron Daly.

Louis Byas, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, originally pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that in November, he was found to be in possession of 105 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

He first appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman, where the charge was charge read to him. However, the matter was transferred to Magistrate Daly’s Courtroom where trial commenced.

Magistrate Daly, in handing down the verdict, told the defendant that the evidence provided by the Prosecution was sufficient and she found him guilty as charged.

The defendant was also fined $157,500, which is the street value of the drugs.

On the day of his arrest, Byas was found by officers cutting up the narcotics and placing it in Ziploc bags.

As such, a search was conducted on his home, where more of the drugs were unearthed. Police were also told that the defendant smoked the drug as a hobby. He was taken into Police custody where he was later arrested and charged.