Miner granted $100K bail on narcotics trafficking charge

A 34-year-old Bartica miner charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking was on Monday granted $100,000 bail when he appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
Frankie Speede of Fifth Avenue, Bartica, Essequibo, appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed, where the charge was read to him under Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.
Speede pleaded not guilty to the charge. The matter was adjourned to June 6, 2026 for continuation.
While details surrounding the circumstances of the charge were not disclosed by the Police, Speede has previously faced a similar narcotics-related matter before the same court.
In December 2024, Speede was charged with possession of 92 grams of cannabis after Police in Regional Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) reportedly conducted a search operation at his shop located at Fifth Avenue, Bartica.
According to reports, ranks carried out a search of the premises for drugs, guns, and ammunition, during which a quantity of cannabis was allegedly discovered. The substance was weighed and amounted to 92 grams.
Speede was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the discovery. He had denied any involvement when he appeared before Magistrate Mohamed, and was granted $60,000 bail.
The latest charge against the miner comes as law enforcement authorities continue intensified anti-narcotics operations across mining districts and hinterland communities aimed at disrupting the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs.