A 26-year-old vendor has been remanded to prison after bail was refused when he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on a charge of possession of marijuana with the intent to traffick.
Andre James, of Lot 617 Trotman Street, ‘A’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, faced Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer the charge, which stems from an incident that allegedly occurred on January 21 at Water Street, Georgetown. James is accused of possessing 38.6 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the offense.
During the bail hearing, the prosecution objected to James’s release, citing that he had similar narcotics-related matters and was on bail at the time the current offense was allegedly committed. Prosecutors argued that granting bail posed a risk of reoffending.
In response, James claimed he had been victimized by a police officer who had been targeting him for some time. Although he did not know the officer’s name, he asserted that he could identify him and alleged that the officer had previously threatened to ensure he would be sent to prison. James stated that on the day of the alleged offense, the officer accused him of possessing marijuana, but nothing was found on his person. He maintained that the narcotics were discovered on the ground and not in his possession, clarifying that he was not alleging that the drugs had been planted, but insisted they did not belong to him.
James also denied the prosecution’s assertion that he had multiple similar matters before the court. However, the magistrate was informed that he had previously appeared in court on comparable charges.
The court was made aware that on June 7, 2025, James was charged after allegedly being found with 35.6 grams of cannabis at the Stabroek Market. In that matter, prosecutors stated the narcotics were found on his person and that James admitted it was part of his “side hustle.” James had denied that allegation, claiming the drugs were found on a nearby stand and not on him. He also stated that he sells cigarettes and tobacco and is not involved in illegal drugs.
Despite being granted bail in the sum of $35,000 in a previous matter on November 21, 2025, Magistrate McGusty refused bail this time. She noted that the current offense was allegedly committed while he was on bail and expressed concern that granting bail could result in a repetition of similar offenses.
James was remanded to prison and is scheduled to return to court on February 13.
