A police detective sergeant has been acquitted of charges alleging that he stole marijuana while carrying out his duties as a public officer.
The charges, which were brought by the Special Organised Crime Unit, were dismissed on Tuesday 23 June 2026 by a magistrate who ruled that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient, reliable and credible evidence to support a conviction.
The detective sergeant had been accused of unlawfully taking seven kilogrammes of marijuana that allegedly came into his possession in the course of his official duties. Prosecutors contended that the cannabis was stolen in order to shield its owner from prosecution and prevent a criminal conviction.
The allegation prompted an investigation by SOCU, which claimed that a quantity of cannabis that should have been officially lodged as evidence was never deposited and had instead been unlawfully removed. Throughout the proceedings the officer remained interdicted from duty while the matter was before the court.
His attorney welcomed the court’s decision, noting that after four years of legal proceedings and witness testimony the magistrate concluded that the prosecution’s case did not satisfy the legal standard required for a conviction because the evidence was inadequate and unreliable.
With all charges now dismissed, the officer is seeking to have his name fully cleared. His attorney also expressed the expectation that he will now be able to resume his duties within the Guyana Police Force. The ruling brings an end to lengthy criminal proceedings, and his future within the force is expected to be addressed following the acquittal. The report was filed for LRTVS Newswatch by Delon Adams.
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