By ALEXANDER BRUZUAL Wednesday, November 25 2009

A 66-YEAR-OLD grandfather was released on $75,000 bail with a surety after appearing before a Port-of-Spain Magistrate, charged for drug trafficking.

James Ezekiel Gordon, of Maraldo Street, Maraval, stood before Magistrate Judy Gordon yesterday in the 4A Court charged for trafficking 1.4 kilogrammes of compressed marijuana.

The charge was brought against him by Woman Police Constable Gibson from the St James Police Station. The charge was laid indictably.

It was revealed that the drugs were found earlier this week after police officials from the St James Police Station, reacting on information received, searched Gordon’s home. A K9 unit assisted in the investigations.

When the drugs were discovered Gordon denied ownership or knowledge of the items. However, he was subsequently cautioned by the officers, arrested, and taken to the St James Police Station. He was remanded in custody until his appearance before the magistrate.

Attorney Ian Brooks represented Gordon and was successful in a bail application for his client. He pointed out that Gordon was a father of seven, and also had several grandchildren, and had proven to be a righteous role model for his family as he never had any previous convictions, or pending matters before the courts.

After some deliberation, the magistrate granted bail on the condition that it be approved by a Clerk of the Peace. The matter is scheduled to resume December 1.