Security officer remanded for ecstasy, “molly” possession

Forty-year-old Justin Lovell, a security officer, was on Friday remanded to prison on a narcotics trafficking charge. Lovell appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty and pleaded not guilty to the indictment, which stated that on May 14 at Pere Kitty, Georgetown, he had in his possession 152 grams (g) of ecstasy and 56g of “molly” for the purpose of trafficking.
During the court proceedings, Lovell told the court that he was assaulted at the time of his arrest and claimed that several personal belongings, including jewellery, a scooter, and $160,000 in cash, were taken from him.
He also maintained that no drugs were found on his person and alleged that the substances were discovered in a neighbouring yard inside a bag, which he said Police later forced him to hold at gunpoint.

The prosecution, however, strongly opposed bail, arguing that there were no special circumstances to justify his release. It was stated that officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) acted on information received and visited the suspect’s residence, where he was seen standing in his yard.
According to the prosecution’s case, Lovell was informed of the reason for the visit and subsequently searched, during which officers reportedly found a small bag in his possession containing suspected narcotics. A further search of the area allegedly uncovered additional quantities of a substance resembling clear cubes.
He was cautioned and arrested, and the suspected drugs were later taken to CANU headquarters, where they were weighed and documented.
The prosecution also disputed the allegation of assault, stating that the accused signed a document indicating he was not mistreated and that no visible injuries were observed at the time.
The court was further told that the accused claimed he was holding the items on behalf of another person. After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate McGusty refused bail.
The matter has been adjourned to June 5, 2026.