SWAT officers granted $200,000 bail in alleged cannabis possession case

Two police officers attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit were granted bail on Friday after appearing before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, following their arrest for alleged possession of 748.4 grams of suspected cannabis.
Lance Corporals Kevin Thompson and Dwayne Perry were arrested on January 14, 2025, after police intercepted a Toyota Axio at the intersection of Camp and New Market Streets, Georgetown.
During a search, law enforcement officers reportedly discovered a black travelling bag containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis, along with plastic wraps, a digital scale, and a bag sealer.
The vehicle, owned by Diana Persaud of North Road, Lacytown, had been rented from Elite Auto Rentals by Stacy Hodge, a 40-year-old businesswoman and the reputed wife of Thompson.

Hodge told investigators she had last used the car on January 10 before handing the keys to Thompson, who requested a vehicle for personal use.
Both officers were arrested and placed under close arrest as the investigation continued.
However, defence attorneys argued in court that the substance found had not been officially tested to confirm whether it was cannabis, raising doubts about the validity of the charges.
Thompson was represented by Attorney Dexter Todd. Todd pleaded for bail, highlighting his 15 years of service in the police force and his ongoing employment, though under close arrest.
He argued that there was no definitive proof that the substance found was cannabis, and questioned why no test had been conducted.
Thomas also suggested that his client was being unfairly targeted by a senior officer with a personal vendetta.
Perry, represented by Attorney Domnick Bess, also requested bail, asserting that his client was merely a passenger in the vehicle and had no connection to the black bag found in the back seat.
Bess argued that surveillance footage could confirm that Perry did not possess any bag and had only been picked up moments before the vehicle was stopped.
The prosecution contended that the substance was known to the defendants and that a request for testing had been made.
However, Magistrate McGusty raised concerns over the lack of evidence, questioning why no tests had been conducted, despite the suspects being in custody.
The prosecution requested three weeks to address the issue.
Given the incomplete prosecution file and the uncertainty surrounding the alleged narcotics, the Magistrate granted bail at $200,000 each.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 28, 2025.