Miner granted $75,000 bail in cannabis trafficking case

Miner, Deryck Smith, 42, of Lot 11 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, was on Friday granted bail after appearing again before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in connection with a cannabis trafficking charge. Smith had initially been remanded on the allegation that on August 5, at a minibus park in Georgetown, he was found in possession of 136.7 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and is represented by Attorney-at-Law Stacy Goodings.

During Friday’s hearing, the prosecution informed the court that several statements in the matter were still outstanding, prompting the Magistrate to reassess the bail application. Taking this into consideration, Magistrate McGusty granted Smith bail in the sum of $75,000, with strict reporting conditions. He is required to report to the Brickdam Police Station on the third Friday of every month between 9:00 h to 12 noon. Smith’s Attorney, Goodings, had told the court during his first appearance that her client is a father of six children and a first-time offender. She explained that he works as a miner and had been at the market to pick up his daughter on the day in question. According to Goodings, Smith was merely in the vicinity when a commotion broke out and multiple arrests were made. She stressed that no narcotics were found on his person and argued that these circumstances constituted “special reasons” for granting bail.
At the initial hearing, the prosecution had strongly objected to bail, asserting that Smith was found with the narcotics in his hand, resisted arrest, attempted to drive away, and struck a police officer in the process. Video footage presented to the court reportedly showed Smith exiting a vehicle, evading arrest, and trying to leave the area. Magistrate McGusty had subsequently remanded him until September 12. The granting of bail on Friday allows Smith to remain free while the matter progresses, under strict supervision and monthly reporting requirements, as the court awaits the outstanding statements and further developments in the case.