Venezuelan teen remanded on drug trafficking charge

Eighteen-year-old Venezuelan national Javier Vasquez, a construction worker of Helena #2, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and of Barrancas Del Orinoco, Venezuela, was remanded to prison after being charged with Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking. The charge alleges that on July 16, 2025, Vasquez was found in possession of 14 grams of cocaine at Helena #2, Mahaica.
According to reports, police ranks from the Mahaica Police Station were conducting motorcycle patrols when they observed the teen standing on a bridge with a black one-strap bag around his neck. Upon searching his person and belongings, officers discovered 11 grams of suspected cocaine inside the bag.
He was arrested the same day and officially charged on Friday, under Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Act.
Vasquez appeared before His Worship Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Courts, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded.
The matter was adjourned to August 29, for continuation.