Mocha businessman caught with nearly 2 kilos of ganja, cocaine
A Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) businessman is currently in custody, facing pending drug charges after police found nearly two kilograms of marijuana and a significant quantity of cocaine in his possession during a routine checkpoint stop at Mabura, Region Ten (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice).
Paul Battersfield, 48, of Mocha Housing Scheme, was reportedly travelling as a passenger in a blue Toyota Hilux pickup (Registration #GZZ 9658) on Thursday, when police officers stopped the vehicle at the Mabura Police Outpost around 21:30h.
The pickup was driven by 50-year-old gold miner Ashman Scott, known as “Scotty,” of Supply, EBD, with a third passenger, Dexter Atkinson, 39, a gold miner, and a carpenter of Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, who was also on board.
The vehicle, which carried a freezer in its tray, was subjected to a search after a police rank noticed Battersfield acting suspiciously.
The illegal drugs found in the motor vehicle
Upon inquiry, Battersfield claimed ownership of the freezer and stated that it contained his belongings. When asked to empty the freezer, Battersfield removed a bulky plastic bag and handed it over to the officer.
Inside the bag, police discovered five parcels of marijuana, as well as a separate parcel containing a whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.
Battersfield was immediately cautioned, admitted ownership of the illegal substances, and was arrested on the spot.
He was taken into custody at the Mabura Police Outpost before being transported to the Mackenzie Police Station.
The pickup that was carrying the ganja
At Mackenzie, the narcotics were weighed in Battersfield’s presence and confirmed to be 1,988.85 grams of marijuana and 82 grams of cocaine. The drugs were sealed, marked, and lodged as evidence.
Meanwhile, the driver and the third passenger of the vehicle were questioned, but police have not indicated whether they are implicated in the incident.
Investigations are ongoing, and Battersfield remains in custody pending charges. Authorities are working to determine if the narcotics were part of a larger trafficking operation.
This arrest highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement at key checkpoints to crack down on drug trafficking activities.
Police continue to urge citizens to report any suspicious activity as they remain vigilant in their fight against illegal narcotics.
A Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) businessman is currently in custody, facing pending drug charges after police found nearly two kilograms of marijuana and a significant quantity of cocaine in his possession during a routine checkpoint stop at Mabura, Region Ten (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice).
