Farmer Jailed, Former AFC MP Remanded for Cannabis Trafficking
October 23 2025
A 69-year-old farmer and a former Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian appeared before the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in connection with the trafficking of more than 310 kilogrammes of marijuana, leaving one jailed and the other remanded.
Albert Sandy, a farmer from Tacama Waterfront, Upper Berbice River, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
His co-accused, Devin Sears, 39, an educator and former AFC member of parliament from Mackenzie, Linden, pleaded not guilty and was denied bail, remaining in custody until the next court hearing on November 11.
Sears was represented by attorneys Nigel Hughes and Bernard Da Silva, who argued for bail.
Da Silva highlighted that Sears had been remanded despite Sandy taking full responsibility for the narcotics. Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool, however, refused the application, citing the absence of special reasons.
The men were arrested on October 20, 2025, after police discovered a large quantity of cannabis during a routine patrol near the Old Bamia Police Checkpoint in Linden.
At around 8:41 pm, police stopped a dark blue Toyota Hiace minibus, registration BAJ 4486, registered to the Region 10 Tourism Committee Inc., which was being driven by Sears with Sandy as the sole passenger.
Police reported that Sears displayed suspicious behaviour and became visibly nervous when questioned about the vehicle’s contents.
When asked, he claimed he was transporting “tourism plants.” A search of the vehicle uncovered 22 bulky black plastic bags and four large brown canvas bags containing leaves, stems, and seeds suspected to be marijuana.
Following the discovery, both men were arrested and cautioned.
While Sears remained silent, Sandy allegedly admitted ownership of the narcotics, stating that he had paid Sears to transport him to Parika.
The men and the seized cannabis were taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, where the haul was weighed in their presence and confirmed to total 310.71 kilogrammes (683 pounds).
Sandy’s guilty plea led to his immediate sentencing to four years’ imprisonment. Sears, who denied involvement, will remain remanded until the matter resumes for further proceedings.
