Two businessmen arrested after ganja found on premises

Police ranks in Region One (Barima- Waini) on Sunday arrested two businessmen after 79.4 grammes of marijuana and over $270,000 in cash were discovered at their premises at Trainline, Port Kaituma, North West District.

Acting on intelligence, a team of ranks led by an Inspector, went to the residence and business premises of the two men: Lancelot Glen, a 40-year-old businessman, and George Whittaker Hope, a 31-year-old businessman.

When they arrived at the premises, 31-year-old Hope was seen shirtless, sitting outside. On seeing the ranks, Hope hurriedly ran inside, locked the entrance door, and turned off the lights, raising the officers’ suspicions. The team called out to Hope, who initially failed to respond. After several minutes of knocking on the wooden door, it was opened, and Hope presented himself.

The ranks informed him of their presence and the reason for the visit; that is, to conduct a search for narcotics, illegal arms, and ammunition. Hope consented to the search, allowing the officers to enter through the main entrance. When asked if he was alone, he replied that he was, as 40-year-old Glen was not present.

During the search, the team discovered a bulky black plastic bag on a table inside the building.

The bag was opened in Hope’s presence, revealing 113 small transparent ziplock bags, each containing marijuana.

The suspect was then informed of the offence, and when cautioned responded by saying: “That’s all I have, officer.”

He was then arrested.

Additionally, a quantity of cash in various denominations (20’s, 50’s, 100’s, 500’s, 1000’s, and 5000’s) was found in different areas of the building. When counted in Hope’s presence, the cash totalled $270,320.

The cash was seized as it was suspected to be proceeds from narcotics sales.

Subsequently, contact was made with Glen, the other occupant of the building. Glen was shown the suspected narcotics, informed of the offence, and cautioned.

He replied, “I live there, but I don’t know anything about any drugs.” He was also arrested and placed into custody.

Investigations are ongoing.