A St Vincent national and four Dominican men have been charged and remanded at the State’s Prison in connection with a major drug bust in Soufriere last week.
Yohan Flynn of Bath Road, Gerald Germain of Bath Estate, John Sylvester of Lagon Portsmouth, Craig Cochrane of Kingshill and Irwin Miller of St Vincent were allegedly caught with 10,000 grams (10 kilos) or 22 pounds of cured marijuana in a bus last week.
The men were charged with the possession of cannabis, possession with intent to supply 10 kilos of cannabis, importation of cannabis, conspiracy to import cannabis and illegal entry.
Miller, pleaded guilty to all charges, while the local men pleaded not guilty to each charge.
According to the conspiracy to import cannabis charge, the five allegedly conspired amongst themselves and with other unknown parties to bring the drugs to the country.
No plea was required for that charge because it is an indictable offense, to be heard at the High court before a jury.
The illegal entry charge states that the defendants German, Miller and Sylvester allegedly entered the island via the Soufriere Beach, an area which is not a legal port of entry.
Police had reported last week that the drugs were found at about 2 am on January 6, 2012, on a Mitsubishi bus registration number PJ033 registered to Marcus A. Cuffy of Bath Estate.
It was allegedly being driven by Flynn who was said to have been accompanied by Germain and Miller.
Additionally, at Soufriere, one Yamaha motorcycle registration number PF 350 allegedly driven by owner Craig Cochrane and an open keel boat commanded by Sylvester were also intercepted.
All five men, along with three conveyances, were taken into custody.
Magistrate Ossie Lewis denied bail at Monday’s hearing but set it for review on January 16, 2012, where the facts and mitigation in respect to Miller’s guilty pleas are also expected to be heard.
Trial for the matter has been set for April 23, 2012.
Lewis’ decision came after arguments from the prosecution which was represented by prosecutor Claude Weekes and defense counsel Wayne Norde.
Weekes had objected to bail on the grounds that investigations were still ongoing as it relates to the origin of the cannabis which he feared could be hindered if the men were released.
He told the court that the drugs reportedly came from St Vincent.
He requested that the men be held in custody for an additional week in order for the drug squad and customs department to finalize investigations.
“Time is essential to our case,” he told the court.
While acknowledging that one is innocent until proven guilty, Weekes asked the court to consider the seriousness of the offenses and the severity of punishment that such offenses carry.
He asked the court to also consider the impact of drugs globally, and labelled the matter one which could evade the national security of the country if the men are released too soon.
Meanwhile Norde said that the prosecution should provide evidence to show that his clients will interfere with investigation.
“They must not only say but should show how,” he said. “It’s a bailable offense,” he added.
“Why incarcerate them before having a trial?… the three young men were caught on a bus with a bag of marijuana, what investigations again? He asked the court.
Weekes however told the court that police would not divulge intelligence they had gathered from both local and foreign authorities at this juncture.
“It hinges very seriously on security issues…” he said.
The security of the state has the potential to be compromised if they are released, according to Weekes.
Norde told the court that he was not in a position to mitigate on his client’s behalf and sought and adjournment.
Apart from his guilty pleas, Miller faces the indictable charge, for which he will require bail.
Chief Magistrate Evelina Baptiste is expected to sit on the matter when it returns to court for trial in April.
I think all drugs is dangerious because when you somke herbs you cannot think stright,I read it the guadeloupe news papers today some youth just finish smoking and at the same time the police was passing the smell alone let them go and search them they get a little bit of herbs on one of them you know what they did the arrest all of them and they will have their day infront of the judge also
@ Olivette
It also leads to suicide. They inject themselves with it and too much of it and die. Drugs are dangerous and unhealthy.
What is the profit of 22 pounds of herb amongst 5 men considering all the cost involved? Not much.
Why the charge of threatening national security when no coke,no firearms charges?
Someone is lying.In one week i saw three pirogues passing even in broad day light.Are the cops asleep. One officer when asked said he would put his hands in fire for his colleagues,meanwhile it was him who was taking payments and letting the drugs pass.Why did those guys plead not guilty when they were caught red handed? There is more to this than we are being told. Mr Weekes i would not like your job!
I smell something dirty….very dirty!
I don’t like to comment, but i must give tiny it’s props,this one is passionate about the situation and they have a right to.The govrnment must be very careful,the weed they fighting might be the weed they will be calling for the people.you see the country is getting into a complacent state where the people that are being handfed, are the ones who will see it fit to do more drugs.after they graduate from all the alcohol intoxication and plenty sewo,harder drugs is the way they will go.Dominica get things late, if meth is not here yet it’s on it’s way and trust me it’s deadly and easier to produce and Dominicans will indulge, weed will be like a pussy cat, compare to this big dog.The big boys have a range of ordorless drugs, in pill form convinently supplied by their pharmarcy so weed is not their style,it’s the poor working man thing,
at least tiny you got to big up yourself for your passionate views.the weed that is being sqeez will be what the nation will need.
SO stop weed hunting.
so true, I’ve seen it first hand abroad.
The face of the second man from left looks familiar. Is he a Dominican or a Vincentian?
I reside in Toronto. It is my feeling that I have seen this face (not a friend) previously. The Police should check this out.
Mouth of the south…I think that you are one of the few who are worthy of my response ….I will never ever sell or usr drugs I don’t even drink wine..but the fact is that there are many who will..I do not support or endorse such activity just like I do not support any one who smokes cigarette …Isimply believe it is absurd to charge someone for……….
He’s worthy because both you are idiots!
@ Z….
When will some people as you cease calling others idiots? You are calling them names. Do you have more common sense to reason matters out and are you more intelligent than they are? If you were, you would not be calling them idiots. Be respectful.
Put on your thinking cap.
Oh Ho!!!!1 Norde making money from de same people that he was putting away!!! He see dat it is easier to get people off, than to have them convicted!!! Hahahaha, he even build house on dat too we. look jokes in this place.
Everyone is hitting on “Tiny” !! lol. Go look for T.I girl!
Good job officers! i just hope justice will prevail in the courts. you do the crime .. you got to do the time!
hmm is Tiny a drug dealer or a beneficiary of the drug trade? Is Tiny one of the young girls who go from drug man to drug man for material gain? I am just wondering what is her obsession with all this. Tiny Tiny, Tiny, thou protest too loudly.
i would like to know what they want these young people to do when there are no jobs or programs for them to do or partake in.When mouth open it must be fed.
Dat you go and do your mother Gerard? You had good opportunities! However, you chose to go that route! You have kids, what is your mother going to tell them. You went to SMA, at a time when it took brains to get it, but you wasted it all. You were not brought up that way. why did you have to go down that road. You were never poor and hungry. Wings and Gero always provided for you. You were always well dressed, fed, and sheltered.
just wait and see how much jail time those boys going to take for a plant but when someone kill they are free on d road the very 2 DAYS after. hmm. dominica just dont have justice at allll.
A plant yes,being used to destroy lives is the problem,the youth start using the “plant” then they graduate to stronger and more dangerous substances,creating a double whammy,where lives are lost and destroyed,the only ones to profit are the dealers who are lucky not to get killed by their rivals guns,just think about that!that’s all I’m saying.
cars kill people all the time, I’ve never heard anyone asking to ban the use of motor vehicles, and stop repeating things you’ve obviously read somewhere, if you’re going to be passionate about something learn all the facts first, not just the ones which support your case.
dam homie
Legalize Marijuana! We better off to Let it come out in the open.
Unless they decriminalize Marijuana it will keep passing thru the same channels as coke. It’s funny we doe hear about coke in this bust. Trust me, because it has a smaller footprint than weed, it’s easy for the coke to be pocketted by corrupt cops, and we don’t hear of it here. Just check de streets a few days later.
Now the judge isn’t going to hear about it either and the guys are probably told to shut up or face more charges. too much Fraudulent stuff going on, just Legalize it.
yea i am happy they caught them because they were doing illegal activities, but why is it drug burst alone that done effiently? what about murders and those? do investigations on murders too to solve them.
When are we gonna grow up? In these hard times the taxes from weed could fund education. It’s gonna happen anyway so why fight what the people want?
Crack is another issue, how many crimes are committed on weed? Only the ones in the supply trade, if the people that committed murders where high on weed then you can argue it’s bad. Unfortunately it’s only illegal because they can’t control it and tax people properly. The real reason it won’t be legalized is that anyone can become rich regardless of race, and the rich will become poor as cigarette sales drop along with alcohol.
It’s a shame how we have allowed America, Jamaica,St.vincent and those lawless influences infiltrate our country,I have lived and still a live in the US for many many years,I have always taken great pride in where I came from and could never abase my standards that were instilled in me from home,there are other ways to make money, instead of growing ganja plant vegetables they are healthier and wont fry anyone’s brain,may the God of heaven be with our people!!
Good job DA Police. This was indeed luck to catch them at 2:00 am. Late nights and early mornings are when they transport and ply their trade because they are aware people are sleeping and all is quiet.
Look at their faces. They do not look like nice people. They were caught and are obviously disappointed and angry. Who knows what they are planning should they be released. May they not be released on bail especially the Vincentian man. He may skip bail.
The war on drugs on drugs will never be won! America pressures small govt’s to fight Ganja but in many of the US states having one joint is not illegal. in about 30 US states medical ganja is legalized but not on one caribbean island. We need to open our eyes. No one has never died from ganja but rum dat poison caribbean people livers on a daily people drinking their lives away in rum shops. No one complains about it especially on this hypocrite site. Let’s not even talk about tobacco that think that has the tar in it. One cigarette is about 7x more dangerous than a joint. Why isn’t those things illegal is it because big companies make them? that fund elections for politicians? hmmm think people think
Could someone answer this for me; why would people import ganja from St.Vincent when the same ganja can be grow in Dominica? We have the exact same type of weather as st. vincent and if anything our soil is richer in DA. This is the 4th of 5th time I’m hearing about Dominicans importing weed from St.Vincent–makes no sense…we have the exact same climatic conditions.
OK. This sweet bleed of herb is called Vincy Gold. It is cultivated in the Sulfur rich soils in the vicinity of the Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent, an area which is not very accessible. This rich soil coupled with an abundance of sunshine and the right amount of rainfall makes for a very desirable blend. Yes we have the same conditions in Dca, but these areas are very accessible and constantly visited by tourist and locals (drug squad),hence the burden on our local horticulturist. So we have to import. BAP!!
Understood.
Mr. Wayne Norde, please allow the police officers to do their work, when they are through you will represent your clients
TELL HIM FOR ME I STILL WANT MY COUT
Tiny, five consecutive posts. You are dominating this topic.
Tiny, I think you should take some weed and a few placards and go and protest outside the Parliament building at its next sitting.
If you can’t wait till then, why not protest outside Police Headquarters…….
@ Michelle
Why object? You can do likewise if you so wish. Leave Tiny alone! He is free to do so as he so wishes. You do not own this Website. OK!
John doe easy ebeh…
Is not Strong doh
pray 4 us
@ dtruth
Who is the “US” we should pray for?
I hope you are doing your part as God expects from each and every one of us by praying for your nation, yourself, family and friends, the world in general.
best all of ya’ll be quiet because people who never go thru all this nonesense jus a lil marijuana and ppl mkin a big cherade mind ya’lls business and strop bein dam hypocrites. ya’ll don’t even know the whole story and allu jus sittin there and judgin ppl …. SHUT ALLU MOUTH IF ALLU DON’T KNOW WAT ALLU TLKIN ABOUT!!!!
@ fed up
Please speak proper English that every one could comprehend what you have written. It is difficult reading your comments.
while it is true that the drug users are the ones buying the drugs that destroy their lives we have to remember that we all don’t have the same level of resistance and if it is not there to buy they will be left with no choice. some people are easily tempted when they see drugs, money, woman, man, food or whatever you may want to list out. so if they cannot control their urge we cannot do it for them. what i cannot take in is the fact that we allow foreigners to come to our country to trade these things.
@ la Chica
Temptations of a weak spirit and body. They are free to live a good life or a bad life. Make no excuses for them.
Dominicans did not allow foreigners to come in and do those things. Every country has that problem. There are some people with evil minds and who are out to do evil and nothing good. They see an opportunity and they embrace it, good or bad. They have the choice to revoke evil and to do good. They take too many (evil) chances. Blame them for their evil ways. They deserve to be caught and thank God too for obvious reasons.
so if i can’t resist raping women (and there are people like that) they should prevent women from coming outside? lol your logic is flawless
@ yeaaa
What a nonsensical comment. If you cannot resist raping women you are a chronic rapist and should see a psychiatrist. The better one is Our Lord Jesus Christ. Worship him, pray to him for his help, guidance and protection to drive the enemy, the devil far from you.
And All of tem Looking Like they homeless
look who’s talkinging
In all that fiasco; all that transportation of weed, Mitsubishi bus, guy on bike, boat intercepted, you mean there were no firearms involved?…No firearms were confiscated?….wow….hmm….that’s good…The Police did a good job, and should be commended……Wow, 10,000 grams (10 kilos) of cured marijuana……
But wait a minute, it is 22lbs. of weed, and 22lbs. of weed , is not really a heck of a lot of weed for that kind of operation you know…I am talking form the ‘PERPS point of view.…..Could there be more, but they the Police, did not find it?…..All that “showdown” for 22lbs. of weed?…….Five guys, possibly more,…. that don’t look to right…….
And why the hell can the Police just say…well,…We have confiscated 22lbs. of weed in a bust?….
Our system in weight, is based upon ‘’LBS., and OZS. …Give us the basics, we will judge for ourselves….
Someone said to me…”Dominica Police love too much showdown”….Well, I just smiled.
And what does 22lbs. of weed have to do with the “National Security of Dominica?….
I was a bit taken aback, when the prosecutor ……asked the court to also consider the impact of drugs globally, and labeled the matter one which could evade the national security of the country if the men are released too soon…….I mean we are not talking about crystal meth, ecstasy, heroin , or cocaine, here?…No……I am not an advocate for drugs, but it is only weed…..and only 22lbs….C’mon, let’s put things in their proper perspective…….
I wonder which one threatens the “National Security” of Dominica more; that, or the alleged sale of ‘’Passports to people of questionable character”….. I believe if you really care about the ‘N.S. of Dominica, then you are looking at the wrong issue…..Then again I know your hands are tied…but there are other reasons which you can give in your objection to bail, but not this one….it’s too weak and pathetic…..
Am I implying that the Police confiscate illegal firearms without reporting them?; no,….far from it. The Police should be trustworthy and honest and respectful individuals…hopefully…. But are they all?.
Well, I will say, that the vast majority of them are…and I will leave it at that.
I am only raising these questions, because, nowhere in the report, or article(what was reported), did I read where any guns were taken. Nor did I read where there were an exchange of gunfire, yet, word is , the Vincentian, was wounded as a result of gunshot, or shots that he sustained…Is this true?.
Under what circumstances did he get injured?…I have no way of verifying,…I am just asking…
We have “journalists in this Country, who do not follow up on “breaking news”, and do not give follow-ups on developing stories..no going to the scene, no investigating, no asking critical questions, no “nothing”. We just halfheartedly report something and leave it at that….I am not accusing all, of this behavior, but generally speaking, that is how they operate.
The report( which I read in this article) said, that “he was hospitalized as a result of injuries he sustained during an anti-drugs operation”……. What were the nature of those injuries?…How did he sustained those injuries?,….was he the only one injured, was he the only one who put up a struggle, or resisted?.
Only those at the scene would know that, and, upon a complete investigation, I am sure, or, do hope, all the facts will be brought to light…
Now, that leads to my second question…As a result of the “word on the street”;….Of course; because, it is not everything you hear, or read about, that you should believe…You must exercise some form of skepticism;…I know that, and you should as well;…but…
the question(s) must ask anyway….Is there a “Death-squad” within the Police Force of Dominica?, are there a few rogue Cops?..Does the Police kill civilians, or rather, suspects, under suspicious or dubious circumstances?…If so, how can they get away with that….
I find this hard to believe, don’t you?.
The Police have no right to brutalize, or kill suspects. Period…Indiscriminately, or otherwise…They are only suppose to use deadly force, when their own life, or the life of someone else is in danger.
Every suspect, or suspects, must be accorded “due process” under the Law…Irrespective of how heinous the crime, or crimes, he, or she, is alleged to have committed are….That is the Law, and the system, under which we operate, and live…”the presumption of innocence until proven guilty”….
They, the Police, must operate under the conformity of the Law and The Constitution…no exceptions…No individual or individuals, is, or, are, above the Law. And if anyone breached the Law, then, he/she, has to be brought to justice.
Remember, I am only asking the question(s)…because of the “word on the street”, and as a result of conversations that I’ve had with a few people….I am not stating this as a matter of fact; I have no concrete proof, of this shocking, and illegal behavior…but I have a right to ask nonetheless.
And as you may well know, or are aware …… there have been a few unsolved execution style killings, and the disappearance of a few individuals in our society; some were never found; some were found. Even if those individuals were of questionable character, they were Citizen, they were Human Beings; therefore, they had certain inalienable Rights. But yet, there were no known inquiries, or investigations into their deaths and or disappearance;….over the last year, or two;…to even now…Why?….most recently….last week….I don’t have to mention any names…..For as I have stated; those are just allegations…..But those allegations, or circumstances, beg for some questions anyway…..
We do not have ballistics in Dominica, so there is no way to match bullets to any particular firearm….
And, how many ‘Medical Examiners’ do we have?…How about Pathologists..do we have any?…….Are we able to get an independent medical report, that differs from that of the Police, or Govt.?…These are fair questions, don’t you think?.
We sure seem to have a heck of a lot of fire power(Handguns; firearms) in Dominica…some, if not most, are illegal, and are in the wrong hands…..Where are they coming from, and how did they get on Island?….
Where are the confiscated ones going to?….why are some being circulated back on the “streets”…. And, are there any ‘LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL” with “illegal firearms”?. If so, how did they get access to those firearms,… and for what reason did they obtain those firearms?.
Hope we can get credible and accurate answers to these legitimate questions….
In the mean time, we watch, and wait……
I am only stating some concerns that some Citizens, as well as I, have.
Profound Peace…and…All the very best to all.
REBEL!!!.
Hay tiny wait till they start breaking into your house , and steal all your belongings to buy drugs,then you will responde differently.
Miller plead guilty bcuz he know he canna go back Vincy without them man money, so best he stay and burn a jail DOminica to kill time
free up d herbs its good for d nerves….go n arrest dem voler n dem…
Thes guys looks rough!!!
Why is it that murder cases are not rushed to court like some of the drug ones.
@tiny- you have passion but agreed on some aspects. Those police more worried about drugs than molesters, rapists and murders oh yeah attempted murderers to especially police family involved in crimes go unpunished.
YooooooooooooooooooooooooooW
Well tiny, you posting and even commenting on your own posts. Why it sounding like you have interest in that bust?
lol… this sylvester dude facial expression says “ol G till i die.. i don’t even worry about judge decision,,, just can’t wait for bail to hit the sea again”
We need to get all young men out of that country, the Govt not creating the environment for them to produce.
Are you for real Tiny. Then again your name says it all. You can only see and comprehend what you very small brain allows you to. You are an advocate for keeping drugs on the street? Not only are you mentally Tiny but mentally sick.
Listen people I will say it again and again….. No one is forcing any of these drug addicts to abuse drugs and to destroy their lives. You keep blaming the drug dealers…well I say you guys are simply looking for a scapegoat. Had their parents done a better job then chances are their lives would have been very different. They made a choice to use drugs.
And have you guys ever heard of crystal meth…it is a drug that is very easy to make …it keeps a person awake for one week straight…I am surprised that it not being made in Dominica yet…..so when these crack heads start to make their own drugs who will you guys blame…who will be the scapegoat then had a pretty tough life myself but I never once thought of taking drugs.
There are a lot of individuals in the working class who are alcoholics… and no you don’t see them staggering the streets …nonetheless they are addicts..The poor take drugs to ease their pain to escape reality (hard drugs like crack cocaine) while the rich take recreational drugs because they are bored …..The majority of marijuana smokers that I know of are working men with families
….stop blaming others for your drug addicted family members and to the police men out there…please stop harassing these young boys standing at the street corner selling their drugs…it solves absolutely nothing at all
sorry it seems like i’m posing too much but this drug thing is just plain stupid….
that is the advice you would give a young man or woman?… well tiny if the drugs was not made available.. the users would not have gotten it and destroy themselves… so whoever sells drugs like cocaine etc have to pay for the crime… saying “is not me that cause bob to be parro since he was parro b4 i start doing it….” you are making the drugs available and at the same time killing and destroying the community in which you live…. that’s a shame… i know people who sell drugs… but growing up in poor communities you can’t avoid dealing with some one who does… but i can never support or advice one to do so…
it seems like u are a direct beneficiary of the proceeds of the drug sale
the upholder is worst than the thief watch ur back
hahah i got the formula and process for the meth gonna be making some stuff soon. not to mention there are several plants around the country that have drug-like effects. weed is just easy to spot so everybody on it. How come you hardly hearing about big cocaine drug busts. think about it.
the impact of drugs globally????????????????
Decriminalize the sale and possession of these drugs… Decriminalize the sale and possession of these drugs….. Decriminalize the sale and possession of these drugs
Our court system needs to stop wasting their time and quit arresting these drug users and dealers. It’s like wanting to get rid of a tree by pruning its leaves. It is not effective and a total waste of time. They need to get to the root of the problem if they want to wage a war on drugs and it’s obvious that they don’t want too……….so they will keep you all brainwashed and arrest people that should not be arrested to let the masses believe that they are doing something positive
Some of you claim that these drug dealers are ruining the country…let me ask.. how exactly are they doing that? Are your tax dollars being used to pay for for their rehabilitation? As a matter of fact the only place your tax dollars are being used on them is in the prison and courts……you see guys…… there are a group of people who are profiting from their arrest…without their arrest some of them would probably be out of jobs..….. I wonder how many non violent offenders are in prison for drug related crimes?….. well the Prime Minister Roosevelt skerrit said that most of the violent crimes committed in 2011 in dominica were not drug related. You may say that in other to support their drug habits these parros steal… but who are they selling these stolen products/properties to…certainly not to other addicts…so tell me again… who exactly is helping them maintain their lifestyle?
The fact that you get so many thumbs down is a testament to the level of ignorance of my people. They disagree with your comment because it poses an opposing viewpoint to what they have known their entire life. You don’t have to put a gun to a man’s head to make him do something, all you need to do is brainwash him into thinking that what he is doing is the best thing he could be doing at the time and he will willingly do it.
Case in point – China. The very Chinese people are the ones who uphold the communist dictatorship because they have been brainwashed by tradition to believe that this is the right way.
decriminalize the sale and possession of drugs …..decriminalize the sale and possession of drugs….decriminalize the sale and possession of drug…..even the conservative democrats agree to this……
republican Ron Paul to be exact….it is ridiculous to arrest someone for marijuana use ….just ridiculous
I guess “10,000 grams (10 kilos) or 22 pounds of cured marijuana” to you is marijuana for own use!
SMFH
Ron Paul is in the position to write legislation on the matter has he did anything?
Admin you actually post Tiny’s comments…SMH!!!
Tiny you crazy, find a hobby!!!!
@ tiny
As much as I support a few of your views, marijuana is illegal. Therefore those who are caught transporting, buying and selling them will be arrested, prosecuted and charged. This is the Law, Tiny.
ok for those of you who are too “smart” too realize….i meant conservative republicans not democrats
Are you crazy? If you decriminalize drugs, how are the crooks going and make their money? I am sure you know that the small time criminals that are regularly sent to jail for drugs are not the beneficiaries. The real crooks that are benefiting from drugs are powerful and will not allow the compassionate and clear thinking people to mess us their money and power by legalizing and decriminalizing drugs.
Think about it; if you legalize drugs, you, me and any other entrepreneur can open up a business selling drugs, much like a rum shop..the crooks will not benefit much from that while an honest man might make a penny…that is too RIGHT to become reality at this time…in the mean time, the stupid, petty criminals are killing each other and going to jail for none sense….what a shame..
I like the way you put that. It’s time people open their eyes and see the real truth. The legalization of marijuana is not a question of the social impact but the whims of those with power and politics of greed.
Its so simple to understand …don’t know y they don’t get it its like they’ve been programmed.
every pig has it’s saturday…smoke that in your pipe
What has happened to you Tiny? Are you stone?