A 40-year-old security guard was on Friday remanded to prison after appearing in court on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Justin Lovell appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The charge alleges that on May 14, 2026 at Pear Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Lovell was found in possession of 152 grams of ecstasy and 56 grams of a substance known as “Molly”.
Lovell told the court that he was assaulted during his arrest and that police seized jewellery, a scooter, and $160,000 Guyana dollars from him. He further claimed the drugs were not found on his person, but in a neighbouring yard, and that he was forced at gunpoint to handle a bag containing the suspected substances.
The prosecution objected to bail, arguing that there were no special reasons to grant release. Prosecutors said CANU officers acted on information received and visited the defendant’s residence, where he was standing in his yard and was informed of the allegation.
The court heard that a search of Lovell allegedly uncovered a small bag containing suspected narcotics in his hand, while a further search allegedly revealed additional substances resembling clear cubes.
The defendant was cautioned and arrested, and the suspected drugs were taken to CANU headquarters, where they were weighed.
The prosecution also disputed allegations of assault, stating that Lovell signed a document indicating he was not assaulted and that no marks of violence were observed. However, prosecutors said he was later taken to hospital after his eye was observed to be red.
Magistrate McGusty refused bail, citing the absence of special reasons. The matter was adjourned to June 5, 2026.
