Prison officer granted $400,000 bail for ganja trafficking

A 30-year-old prison officer was granted bail in the sum of $400,000 after being charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Andrew Stevens, of Lot 40 Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court last week, where he was accused of having 498.95 grams of cannabis in his possession for trafficking on February 1, 2025.

During the hearing, Stevens was represented by attorney Gordon Gilhuys, who requested reasonable bail, emphasising that his client had no previous convictions and had already spent 48 hours in police custody. He further noted that the narcotics were allegedly discovered while Stevens was in custody for another matter.
The prosecution, however, strongly objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and the prevalence of drug-related offences. The prosecutor stated that the cannabis was found in Stevens’ bedroom during a search conducted by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The search, according to the prosecution, was part of an ongoing investigation into computer-related fraud.
Additionally, the prosecutor informed the court that when questioned about the drugs, Stevens allegedly admitted ownership, stating, “Is me thing I buy from Suriname.”
Magistrate McGusty then inquired whether Stevens was in custody for another offence and if he lived alone. The prosecutor confirmed that Stevens was being held for a separate matter and that he resided with his girlfriend, mother-in-law, and child. Both women reportedly gave statements denying any knowledge or involvement with the drugs.
After considering the arguments, Magistrate McGusty granted Stevens bail in the sum of $400,000. As a condition of his bail, he is required to report to the CID on the last Friday of every month.
Stevens is expected to return to court on February 26, 2025, as the case progresses.