Delbert Philbert of Fond Baron, Loubiere has been slapped with a $3,000.00 fine by Magistrate Michael Laudat following his guilty plea to drug trafficking $375.00 worth of cannabis. The 38-year-old appeared in court on June 15, 2023, jointly charged along with Lenisha Mitchel for trafficking 170 grams of cannabis. The pair opted for a summary trial, but Mitchel pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Facts
Facts in the case, presented to the court by Police Prosecutor Inspector Francis Laville, state that on June 14, 2023, at about 6:00 a.m., Constable Quamie A along with other members of the Drug Squad and Criminal Investigations Department left Police Headquarters on duty to the premises of Philbert at Fond Baron.
On arrival, he was informed of a search warrant which the officer possessed. During the search of one of the bedrooms, the officer noticed a clear glass jar with clear zip lock bags each containing what appeared to be cannabis.
When cautioned and questioned about the discovery, Philbert responded, “a little weed I have there for me to smoke.”
Recognizing that the jar contained more than 28 grams, which the law prescribes that one individual can be in possession of, Philbert was arrested on suspicion of Drug Trafficking.
The constable then asked Philbert whether he was in possession of any other illegal drug to which he responded, “I have a little more in a plastic in the bathroom on the counter,” which was seized by the police. The search continued through other parts of the building, as well as Philibert’s motor vehicle however nothing else liable to seizure was found.
The accused man along with the cannabis found, were then transported to Police Headquarters.
On arrival, 56 zip lock bags were counted from the clear jar as well as a clear and black plastic bag containing alleged cannabis. They were weighed and totalled 170 grams.
The cannabis was later sent to the government analysis for testing which returned positive. As a result, Philbert was formally charged with drug trafficking.
Plea in mitigation
At his court appearance, attorney-at-law Wayne Norde who mitigated on his behalf asked the court to impose a noncustodial sentence against the father of three.
Norde stated, although Philbert had other convictions, none were drug-related and the fisherman had no intention to sell the cannabis, as according to him, it was only for his client’s recreational use.
For his guilty plea at first opportunity and cooperation with the police, the attorney urged presiding Magistrate Michael Laudat to impose a “reasonable fine” with time to pay.
Sentencing
In handing down his judgement, Magistrate Laudat informed the defendant that based on the sentencing guideline, he can be charged a maximum of $150,000.00 or sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
When questioned on his ability to pay a fine, Philbert offered a payment of $1,500.00 which was rejected by the court.
The presiding Magistrate then imposed a fine of $3,000.00 payable in two installments.
The first payment of $1,500.00 is due by October 31, 2023, and the balance by March 31, 2024.
In default of any payment, Philbert will be imprisoned for six months. The court further ordered that the cannabis and the paraphernalia be forfeited to the state.
The prosecution offered no evidence against Mitchel, hence the case against her was dismissed.
Meanwhile, Andrey Christophe Alexis pleaded guilty to trafficking 1134 grams of cocaine in Salybia on June 11, 2023.
The court will hear the facts of the case on June 16, 2023, and hand down a sentence in the matter.
So many people, our citizens, are in pain along with other serious issues that can be helped by C B D a valuable substance that can only be obtained or extracted legally. It is high time to get with it, legalize cannabis and let progress be made.
Delbert Philbert of Fond Baron, Loubiere has been slapped with a $3,000.00 fine by Magistrate Michael Laudat following his guilty plea to drug trafficking $375.00 worth of cannabis.
TBH i dont know how they doing their math. 170/28=6.07 ounces (28grams in an ounce). They said EC$375 with of zeb. Unless is absolute garbage or extra low grade weed..i dont see the numbers matching up on how 6 ounces is EC$375.00.
These people must understand, you can only have 28 grams in your possession,but you cannot smoke or should not smoke that 28 grams in public.Anybody found smoking marijuana in public can be charged and arrested.If the police carries out a search on a person or his property and find 28 grams of marijuana or less he cannot be arrested. From the three plants allowed to be grown on ones property only 28 grams can be havested at any one time.The three plants whether it is inside or outside the house is not regarded as possession.Learn MEME learn.Learn too the PEOPLE is Skerrit,and Skerrit is the PEOPLE,they are one and the same.Unless you MEME understand that you can post 100,000 word comments your comments are in vain.The PEOPLE know who is for and against them.They know MEME and UWP are against all the social programms,that is one of the reasons UWP will never resurrect from the dead.Lastly the PEOPLE know MEME is a bigger LIAR than Skerrit and,the PEOPLE will not support a liars party.
wrong. In addition to my 28 grams i can have 3 plants. the policy doesnt say 28 grams OR 3 plants. It says 28 grams AND 3 plants.
Fix that my girl….. What Kalinago man u saying about???? The man not from Kalinago stop tarnishing our name