GDF sergeant convicted in narco trafficking case, co-accused freed

A Guyana Defence Force (GDF) staff sergeant was acquitted on Tuesday of narcotics trafficking charges, while his co-defendant, a GDF sergeant, was found guilty by a magistrate court in Georgetown.

Staff Sergeant Adisa Higgins was freed after Magistrate Wanda Fortune upheld a no-case submission by his attorney, Bernard DaSilva, who argued that prosecutors failed to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sergeant Colvis Sam, represented by attorney Patrice Henry, was convicted of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Sentencing was deferred until May 15, pending confirmation of the value of the narcotics.

The two men were charged in 2024 following a joint intelligence-led operation by police ranks from Special Branch and Regional Division 4’B’.

Police said the ranks were travelling in a GDF vehicle along the Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara, when officers intercepted and searched the vehicle near the Prairie Hotel.

Authorities said 22 bulky bags containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis were discovered in the vehicle. The suspected cannabis weighed approximately 154 pounds, police said.

Both men, stationed at Camp Ayanganna Headquarters, were arrested and later charged with trafficking in narcotics.