Businessman charged with attempting to bribe Cop, possession of ‘ganja’

A 27-year-old Albouystown businessman was on Monday charged with attempting to bribe a Police Sergeant at the Brickdam Police Station to forego a drug trafficking charge against him.

Christopher Gonsalves appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman and was charged with bribery and possession for narcotics.

It is alleged that on October 3, 2018, at Albouystown, Gonsalves had 530 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

It is further alleged that on the same date at the Brickdam Police Station, he attempted to obstruct or pervert the course of justice by offering $150,000 cash to Sergeant George, so as to prevent the institution of a charge against him.

Gonsalves did not have legal representation and pleaded not guilty to both charges. He was granted $200,000 bail for the bribery charge and remanded to prison for the possession of narcotics.

The matter is adjourned to November 5.

Police Prosecutor, Quinn Harris told the court that police conducted a sting operation and visited Gonsalves’ shop to purchase ‘weed.’

Gonsalves allegedly left on his motorcycle and returned with a bulky plastic bag when he was arrested and taken to the Brickdam Police Station.

While at the Police Station, he requested to speak with the investigating rank and was taken to Sergeant George when he offered him $150,000 in exchange for his freedom.