West Ruimveldt man charged but denies ownership of cannabis worth $21M

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday remanded a 59-year-old man to prison for trafficking over $21 million worth of cannabis.

Bryan Wharton of West Ruimveldt, Housing Scheme, was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Wharton initially admitted that on October 17, at West Ruimveldt, he had 22.8 kilograms of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

However, he later changed his plea to not guilty and denied ownership and knowledge of the narcotics.

Attorney, Bernard DaSilva told the court his client was not at home when the raid was conducted by ranks from the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU).

DaSilva said that the narcotics were found in a shack, which was in a yard which Wharton and multiple persons have access to.

However, the CANU prosecutor told the court that Wharton admitted ownership of the cannabis.

It is alleged that Wharton told CANU officers that a man gave the narcotics to him for safekeeping.

According to the short facts presented to the court by the prosecutor on the day in question CANU ranks were in the area conducting a narcotics operation at North Ruimveldt.

During the search, the ranks discovered a shack that was secured with a lock. The ranks were allegedly approached by Wharton’s nephew, who claimed that the shack belonged to his uncle.

The shack was searched and 11 parcels of cannabis were found inside.

The Chief Magistrate based on the seriousness and prevalence of the crime remanded Wharton to prison until November 18.