Market vendor again denied bail in cocaine trafficking case

Market vendor Wendez Pompey, who was remanded to prison in January on a cocaine trafficking charge, was once again denied bail on Friday after his attorney, Jevon Cox, made an application before Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Cox argued that there were special reasons for bail, stating that the prosecution was relying on the assumption that Pompey must have had knowledge of the drugs found in the minibus he was driving. He contended that his client had no opportunity to check the vehicle before police intercepted him on January 9 and that Pompey had borrowed the minibus from a family member.
At the time the charge was filed, Cox said the prosecution did not state that Pompey had confessed to the crime, and he highlighted that the vehicle’s owner had been arrested but later released.

The attorney further argued that Pompey’s prolonged detention could infringe on his constitutional rights. He emphasised that mere occupation of the vehicle does not automatically establish possession of the illegal substance.
However, the prosecution maintained its strong objection to bail, reiterating that the bag containing 1.156 kilogram (kg) of cocaine was found on the front passenger seat while Pompey was the sole occupant of the minibus. They referenced statements given by Pompey, where he reportedly admitted to having the bag in his possession all day. The prosecution also pointed to video recordings, stating that Pompey had been cautioned and questioned both on and off camera.
In response, Cox challenged the prosecution’s stance, asserting that their arguments had shifted over time. He claimed that no prior mention had been made of any confession and that upon reviewing statements in court, he found no evidence of Pompey being properly cautioned. Cox stated that when questioned about the bag, his client had responded that he did not know its contents and had instructed officers to check it. He accused the prosecution of contradicting its own records.
The prosecution, in response, stated that they stand by their records and that they are ready to proceed with trial.
Despite the attorney’s arguments, Magistrate McGusty stated that based on what she heard, Pompey appeared to be giving “smart answers” rather than clear denials. She ultimately refused bail and scheduled the trial for April 7 at 13:30h.
As Magistrate McGusty announced the trial date, Pompey, who appeared virtually, pleaded for bail, stating that he was willing to comply with any reporting conditions set by the court.
Despite his pleas, the Magistrate upheld her ruling. Pompey remains on remand as he awaits his day in court.