The Tribune

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

TWO men yesterday denied planning to distribute over $500,000 worth of marijuana they were allegedly caught with last week.

Nheru Newton, 44, and Ernest Knowles Jr, 22, both entered not guilty pleas to allegations they were caught with $545,000 worth of drugs on Wednesday, January 9.

They were arraigned before Acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged with one count each of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

According to reports, shortly after 8pm on the date in question, Drug Enforcement Unit officers, acting on information, went to a residence on St. Bart’s Road, Golden Gates, where they met a male standing near a white van.

Upon seeing the officers, the male ran from the yard, making good his escape. Officers subsequently conducted a search of the van and recovered 19 crocus sacks and one taped package of suspected marijuana weighing 545 pounds, with an estimated street value of $545,000.

Two men who were at the residence were taken into custody.

Given Newton’s and Knowles’ not guilty pleas, the matter was adjourned to April 5 for trial. Bail was denied and they were both remanded into custody in the interim. They have a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.