Teacher slapped with narco trafficking charge

A 19-year-old teacher of Cullen Old Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (has been charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Kiran Boodhanlall appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Friday where the charge was formally read to him. The charge alleges that on June 3 at Cullen Backstreet, Essequibo Coast, Boodhanlall was found in possession of 92.3 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5 (1) (a) (i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10. It is alleged the cannabis was found during a cordon and search operation in the Suddie Police Station district on Wednesday last at about 18:15h.

During the operation, officers reportedly observed the teacher sitting on the north western side of a shop approximately 25 feet southeast of his parked motorcar, a black Mazda, PAD 2574. According to Police, the teacher consented to a search of his person, which was conducted in the presence of other ranks. No illegal items were found on him. He also consented to a search of his vehicle, and during the search, officers found a bulky black plastic bag on the left-side rear passenger seat. The bag was opened and contained a transparent plastic bag with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. Police stated that the teacher was informed of the offence and cautioned. He reportedly denied ownership of the substance, saying, “That is not mine. I left my car unlocked and went out and returned and sat on the chair where y’all found me.” In court on Friday, Boodhanlall pleaded not guilty to the offence and was released on $180,000 bail. As a condition of bail, the teen was then ordered to report to the Suddie Police Station every Friday pending the outcome of the matter. The case was adjourned to June 19.