60-year-old Bartica Gold Miner jailed for narcotics possession

Roger Simon, a 60-year-old gold miner from Fifth Avenue, Bartica, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment today after being found guilty of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Simon appeared in the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before His Worship Magistrate Teriq Mohammed. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge, but following a trial, the court found him guilty and imposed a two-year custodial sentence.

This conviction marks the latest in a series of narcotics-related cases involving Simon. He was previously charged on January 31, 2022, along with Rawle Simon, for possession of approximately 1.08 kilograms of cannabis at Itaballi Boat Landing. Both men pleaded not guilty and were remanded to prison. Later, on September 18, 2022, Simon was again arrested after authorities found 24 grams of cannabis in his possession. He was released on $100,000 bail at that time.

Simon was most recently arrested on April 7, 2025, and charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Following his initial remand, the case was adjourned to May 12, 2025, and investigations continued.

With today’s conviction, Simon is now serving a two-year prison term, reflecting the judiciary’s firm stance on narcotics offenses.

The Bartica Magistrate’s Court continues to handle several ongoing cases involving illicit drug activity in the region.