Soldiers charged with marijuana possession, remanded to prison

Two Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks, Clovis Sam and Adisa Higgins, were on Monday remanded to prison after appearing in court on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking charge.

They deny the charges.

The ranks, who were stationed at Army headquarters Camp Ayangana, were arrested on July 18 following the discovery of 154 pounds of cannabis in motor vehicle, DFB 1786, belonging to GDF.

Sam, 31, a resident of Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, and 42-year-old Higgins, from Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden appeared at the Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court.

Sam and Higgins were nabbed during a joint intelligence-led Police operation conducted by ranks from Special Branch and Regional Division 4’B’.

The vehicle was driven by Sam.

Police Headquarters in a statement said the ranks stopped the vehicle along the Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara, in the vicinity of the Prairie Hotel, and a search was conducted during which 22 bulky bags were found.

The two ranks were told of the offence of trafficking in narcotics and cautioned.

They were both arrested and escorted to the Regional Police Division 4’B’ Headquarters where the cannabis was weighed.

The court matter was adjourned to August 12, 2024.