Penal businessman and wife on cocaine charge

Ralph Maraj aka Johnny Singh, 40, of Clarke Road, Penal, was arrested on Friday at about 3 pm at Harris Promenade, San Fernando, with 66 grammes of cocaine in his possession. At the time he was in company with Stacy Torres, 26, and she too, was jointly charged with the offence.

The matter was heard before magistrate Armina Deonarine-singh in San Fernando Second Magistrates’ Court.

Attorneys Rupert Frank and Hansraj Bhola, represented Maraj and Torres, who both pleaded not guilty.

Attorney Frank argued that at the time of the arrest, Maraj was on his way to transact business when he was held by the police. Torres, he said, went to assist Maraj and was also arrested and charged. Charges were laid by PC Manohar. Both his clients, Frank said, have no previous convictions and no pending matters.

Magistrate Deonarinesingh granted bail in the sum of $200,000 each. The matter was adjourned to July 26, 2007.