GEORGETOWN – After more than two years before the Diamond Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Judy Latchman on Tuesday dismissed a cocaine trafficking charge against Leon Nicholas, ruling that prosecutors failed to prove he had possession or control of 6.7 kilograms of cocaine allegedly found in a Soesdyke apartment.
The case stemmed from a September 1, 2023 police operation at the A1 Nightclub and Bar, Lot 19 Back Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. Acting on intelligence, several vanloads of armed officers raided the premises and later claimed to have discovered nearly seven kilograms of cocaine inside an apartment said to be rented by Nicholas.
The drugs, according to police, were concealed in a salt bag within the apartment’s toilet area. However, Nicholas, represented by attorney Siand Dhurjon, maintained his innocence from the outset. His defence centred on the claim that the apartment was rented to another man who was never investigated and who held the only key.
Nicholas was not present when police carried out the raid, a fact that became a central point of contention during the trial. Mr. Dhurjon presented utility bills and property documents bearing another person’s name to support his client’s case. He also questioned police witnesses extensively on the legality of the search, the circumstances under which the apartment was entered, and the lack of any admission of ownership by Nicholas.
Nicholas told the court that he had rented the room to another individual about a month before the raid and that he himself had no access to it. He said the police had entered through an unlocked window, further weakening the prosecution’s claim that he exercised control over the premises.
In delivering her ruling, Magistrate Latchman said, “Outside of finding Mr. Nicholas within the parameters of A1 Night Club and Banquet Hall, there is absolutely no evidence to establish that he had control of the cocaine. There is no evidence to prove that he knew of the existence of the cocaine in Room 5. And in these circumstances, I find Mr. Leon Nicholas not guilty and this case is dismissed.”
Outside the courtroom, a visibly relieved Nicholas thanked the Magistrate for what he called her “careful and fair” consideration of the facts and expressed appreciation to his attorney for standing by him throughout the long ordeal, including securing his High Court bail after his initial remand in 2023.
