Police unearth 4.8lbs ganja at Ituni

…man confesses, jailed, fined over $3M

Police have taken a 25-year-old man into custody following the discovery of over 2.1 kilograms (4.8 pounds) of marijuana in a minibus on Saturday.
The incident occurred just about 09:30h at Tacama Junction, Ituni Road, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Based on the information released by the Police, the bust was made after the Police received a tip-off that led to them intercepting a route minibus with three passengers and the driver. A search of the minibus resulted in the discovery of a red and yellow five-gallon bucket containing two bulky plastic bags.
The bags contained leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. This was immediately brought to the attention of the driver, who claimed that he collected the bucket from a male on Ituni trail and was asked to drop it off at the Ituni bus park and someone would pick it up.
The driver’s story was supported by the passengers. The driver and passengers were escorted to the Ituni Police Station to assist with the investigation.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Shaquille Mingo was charged for the offence of narco-trafficking contrary to Section 5 (1ai) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Act Chapter 10:10.
He appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan via Zoom at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to four years in jail and a fine of $3,325,500. (G2)