Smithfield women remanded to prison after major ganja find

Two women from Smithfield, Berbice, have been remanded to prison after facing charges of trafficking a substantial amount of cannabis.

Sarafina Pitt, 32, a housewife, and Shamay Bryan, 33, who owns a grocery shop, both appeared at the Blairmont Magistrates Court before Magistrate Michelle Matthias on Tuesday.

The court heard that on January 24, 2026, they were found in possession of approximately 345.8 pounds of cannabis in Number 10 Village, West Coast Berbice, allegedly for the purpose of trafficking.

With tears streaming down their faces, both women pleaded not guilty to the charges. They did not have legal representation.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards objected to bail, emphasising the significant quantity of narcotics involved and the frequent occurrence of such offenses. He highlighted the serious implications they could face if convicted and mentioned that the women were the sole occupants of the vehicle when the drugs were discovered.

Sarafina, a former officer attached to the New Amsterdam Prison, had previously been charged and released on bail for narcotics possession. The matter is ongoing at the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court.

Edwards pointed out that, despite being on bail, Sarafina had committed a similar offense, reinforcing the argument against granting bail.

After considering the prosecutor’s points, Magistrate Matthias informed both women that due to the nature of the charges, including the prevalence and severity of the narcotics involved, she would deny bail and remand them to prison.

The case has been forwarded to the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court for further proceedings scheduled for February 12.