Welder refused bail after denying ownership of ‘ganja’

A 27-year-old welder was Monday remanded to prison for allegedly trafficking two kilograms of cannabis. 

Akeem Archer, of Zeelugt Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, appeared before City Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Archer denied that on March 16, 2023, at Lombard Street, Charlestown, he had 2.332 kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

According to Prosecutor Dominic Bess, on the day in question at about 16:30 hours, CANU ranks went to the Lombard Street and contacted Archer.

Archer was seen entering the eastern side of a yard with a back and yellow bag on his back. The bag was searched and several parcels of cannabis were found inside.

The drug carries a street value of approximately $400,000.

Under caution, Archer allegedly told the ranks he was at a car wash when a man gave him the bag to take to a motorcar.

The father of four further told the court that he was released from prison in 2019 after serving a two-year sentence for firearm possession.

He further told the court that he is the sole breadwinner for his family of four and his reputed wife is currently six months pregnant.

The Magistrate, based upon the seriousness and the prevalence of the crime, remanded Archer to prison until April 24.