A British man is expected to be sentenced on Monday in relation to cocaine concealed in three cans bearing the labels “Hairoun Beer”, “Vita Malt” and “Presidente Beer”, three products bottled by local manufacturer, St. Vincent Brewery Ltd.
Nathan Smith, who had two charges against him withdrawn after pleading guilty to three other drug charges, is expected to be sentenced after the trial of co-accused, Lisa Hooper of Campden Park, St. Vincent on Monday.
Smith was charged that on July 24, 2013, at the E.T. Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale he attempted to export 1,235 grammes of cocaine; that on July 24, 2013, at E.T. Joshua Airport had in his possession 1,235 grammes of cocaine with intent to supply with another; that between July 1 and July 24, 2013, at Prospect did agree with Lisa Hooper of Campden Park, and others, that a course of conduct shall be pursued which, if the agreement was carried out in accordance with their intentions, will necessarily amount to, or involve the commission of the offence of exportation of a controlled drug to wit 1,235 grammes of cocaine.
He was also charged that between July 1 and July 24, 2013, at Prospect did agree with Lisa Hooper of Campden Park and others that a course of conduct shall be pursued which, if the agreement was carried out in accordance with their intentions, will necessarily amount to, or involve the commission of the offence of drug trafficking.
He was further charged that on July 24, 2013 at E.T. Joshua Airport had in his possession a controlled drug to wit 1,235 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of drug-trafficking.
Smith pleaded guilty to first three charges when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Sonya Young at the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown on Tuesday.
The last two charges were withdrawn, and his sentencing was deferred to Monday after a request by the prosecution.
Smith was represented by lawyer Grant Connell.
Meanwhile, co-accused Lisa Hooper, who faces similar charges, maintained not guilty pleas and will be tried on Monday.
She is being represented by lawyer Jomo Thomas, who was not present in court on Tuesday.
Senior Crown Counsel, Adolphus Delpesche, is leading the prosecution.
The prosecution say they expect to call six witnesses in Hooper’s trial.
On Dec. 20, 2013, Customs and Border Protection officials in the United States seized 732 pounds of cocaine, concealed in 700 sealed tins of Trinidad Juice cans bearing the labels of Trinidad Orange and Grapefruit Juices, at the Port of Norfolk in Virginia.
The juices carrying the labels are manufactured by JM Jaleel.
On Dec. 5, 2013, St. Vincent born British naval officer, Joromie Lewis, 33, died after he consumed a cocaine-laced Pear D drink. Pear D is also manufactured by SM Jaleel.
UK police have arrested five persons on suspicion of drug offences in connection with Lewis’ death.