A 37-year-old man, who resides in Fields Lane in Roseau, was slapped with a $10,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine.
Linden Narrine Lewis appeared before chief magistrate Evelina Baptiste on September 9, 2013 where the charge was read to him.
According to court reports, on September 6, 2013 at about 12:40 pm, members of the drugs squad were on foot patrol and Lewis was seen walking. He was asked if he had anything illegal in his possession and he replied “no.”
The police requested a search of his person and a foil wrapping, with 17 wrappers containing a white substance looking like cocaine, was found.
Lewis did not reply when questioned about the substance and he was arrested on suspicion of having a “Class A” drug such as cocaine in his possession.
It was not tested but weighed 5 grams with a street value of $85.00.
Zena Dyer, who represented Lewis, asked the court not to impose a custodial sentence on her client since he was “a first time offender and had pleaded guilty to the offense.”
She asked the court to “show mercy and leniency since he was sorry for his actions.”
Lewis, she told the court, promised not to find himself in court again and she was asking for a “chance” to be given to him.
However, chief magistrate Baptiste said while the amount was “small” the drug was “potent and destructive.”
“I think the public, like me, is concerned about the use of cocaine and the court needs to send out a clear message,” she said.
Lewis was first handed a $15,000 fine but after heavy persuasive arguing by his lawye,r who told the court that she found the fine “excessive,” it was reduced to $10,000 to be paid by January 31, 2014 or in default 7 months jail.
The maximum penalty is $50,000 or 18 months jail for possession of cocaine.
if he had 10 kiL on a boat the would let him free lol look it we
I am not for drug dealers or users, nor I am against the judge trying to set and example and send a message. However these are not the individuals the example has to be set with. The bigger drug dealers do not get such harsh punishments, in fact they get the lesser of this one or equivalent. They are the ones who supply the small men with the drugs, they are the ones who kill our fellow brothers or ruin their lives. Judge; I like your enthusiasm, but your focus is in the wrong eye.
ya tell dem
All these people that are so quick to support drug users and dealers are living a ghetto mentality that isn’t fit for Dominica. If you want to live in a drug infested ghetto then leave! If you want a safe drug free environment for your children and community then think like an adult and be responsible for what goes on in your community. Cocaine is a destructive drug as you can see from the people who use and distribute it! young Dominicans act like prison and drugs are part of our culture… IT ISN’T! its a dead end street.
17 wrappers tells me that this man is a dealer and he can count his lucky stars he was only fined $10,000. The irony is that he may have to start dealing again so he can pay his fine. We keep catching sprats while mr. Big goes scot-free. How comes?Malgraysa!
for that small amount of drugs that big amount.that lady wicked you know.
Good! Thank you judge. That will help teach them to stick to what they know, go back to marijuana, if you want a little high, or some nani.
cocaine again
really narine?
what do they mean by,it was not tested,is that how the law works,this was not a serious statement right?well my peace,this lawyers good.
Ki sahhhh! I taking my 4 months jail wi. In these days and age 10gs in 4 months for a man that not working? Narrin check skerrit tan elections coming that easy
DNO THE STREET VALUE IS $85.OO AND THE PENALTY IS $10000.00…..WOW
The cartel wants to send you a message not to horn in on their territory.
lol