Andy Reece, a 61-year-old Barrouallie farmer, has been fined EC$3,000 for 8,034 grammes (17.7 lbs) of marijuana found in the house in which he lives.
Reece pleaded guilty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offences Court on Thursday to a charge that on April 21, at Barrouallie, he had the controlled drug in his possession with the intent to supply.
The facts presented by the prosecutor, Inspector of Police Renrick Cato, are that on April 21, about 3:15 p.m., Corporal 760 John was on duty at the Barrouallie Police Station when he received information about Reece.
As a result, a search warrant was executed at the house where Reece lives.
On arrival, John and his party of officers met Doritha Solomon, who told them Reece was not at home.
John told her that he and his party of officers were there to search for guns, ammunition and drugs.
She consented to the search, telling the officers that she and her granddaughter were at home.
During the search of Reece’s bedroom in the presence of Solomon, John found a plastic bag in a container with what appeared to be plant-like material resembling cannabis.
They also found a tub and a bucket containing cannabis under the bed.
John pointed out the offence to Solomon, who responded, “Officer, they are not mine.”
John arrested Solomon on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug and took her and the cannabis to the Barrouallie Police Station.
About 4:37 p.m. that same day, Reece went to the Barrouallie Police Station and told the police that the cannabis belonged to him.
The police cautioned and interviewed Reece in the presence of Justice of the Peace Nash
In the caution statement, Reece said, “The drug belongs to me. Me just get it to smoke, not to sell.”
In mitigation, lawyer Grant Connell told the court it was Reece’s first conviction and noted that he went to the police station and told them that the drug belonged to him, and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
The lawyer said his client has been planting marijuana illegally for 40 years to sustain his family.
The lawyer asked for a non-custodial sentence.
After the mitigating and aggravating factors were considered, the court arrived at a fine of EC$3,320.
Connell told the court that Reece had EC$3,000 on him.
The magistrate fined Reece EC$3,000 to be paid forthwith or one year imprisonment.
He also ordered restitution of the container and tub and that the drugs be destroyed.