Venezuelan jailed, fined $7.3M for ganja trafficking

A Venezuelan was on Tuesday jailed for four years and fined $7.3 million by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he admitted to a charge of trafficking in narcotics.
Ganesh Das admitted to having a quantity of 6.150 kilograms of cannabis in his possession while he was in the presence of his two brothers – both of whom were charged jointly with him.
However, after Das admitted ownership of the drugs, the charges against his brothers – Ruel Boodhoo and Richie Boodhoo – were withdrawn.
Das admitted that on March 9, 2019, at Noval Hotel, Cummings and Robb Street, Georgetown, he had the drugs in his possession.
In court on Tuesday in a plea of mitigation, Das explained to the court that he “only tek a chance” to provide for his family.
“I am very sorry, but I only did it because it very hard back home in Venezuela. That’s the only reason mek I do duh”.
Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford informed the court that on Saturday last, CANU ranks, on a sting operation, conducted a search at the hotel where they unearthed the narcotics that was hidden in Das’ room.
As such, he was arrested which led to him giving several written and oral statements to the police.
Defense Attorney Keoma Griffith in asking for leniency, requested that the Chief Magistrate consider the economic crisis facing Das’ homeland.