A narcotics case at the Weldaad Magistrates’ Court turned dramatic on Friday when one of the accused reacted angrily to a ruling made by Magistrate Sheveen Lalaram.
Richard Barrow, 44, from Smithfield Village, and Alfred Ambrose, 24, a mason from Patrick Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, appeared in court charged with possession of 9.20 kilogrammes (20 pounds) of cannabis with the intent to traffic the substance. Both men, lacking legal representation, pleaded not guilty.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards strongly opposed the granting of bail, informing the court that officers on patrol had witnessed the men behaving suspiciously. He explained that the police stopped their vehicle and searched them; although nothing illegal was found initially, a subsequent search of two haversacks located approximately two feet away revealed nine parcels of cannabis.
According to Edwards, Barrow and Ambrose were subsequently cautioned and arrested, then taken to the Blairmont Police Station, where the drugs were weighed in their presence. During a video-recorded interview, Ambrose reportedly admitted ownership of the cannabis.
Citing the serious nature of the charges and the quantity of drugs involved, Prosecutor Edwards urged the court to refuse bail, and Magistrate Lalaram agreed, denying bail for both accused.
The ruling led to a tense scene as Barrow became visibly agitated, insisting on his innocence. Officers struggled to manage his outburst as he resisted leaving the courtroom, while Ambrose broke down in tears, claiming no knowledge of the cannabis found.
Their loud protests drew the attention of others nearby as they were escorted out of the courtroom.
The case has been transferred to the Blairmont Magistrates’ Court, with the next hearing scheduled for January 15, 2026.
