A 47 year old man of Geneva, Grand Bay, who pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and possession with intent to supply, was fined $2,500 and given six months to pay the fine, failing which, he will spend six months in jail.McQuinney Thomas was arrested by the police at the home of his girlfriend, Joanna Pacquette, on December 5, 2013. Thomas’ girlfriend who was also arrested, pleaded not guilty and the prosecution withdrew the charges against her.
The drugs found by the police weighed 350 grams and had a street value of $770.00.
The court heard that during the search both Thomas and his girlfriend were asked if they had drugs and answered “no” but moments later Thomas said, “Officer let me be honest with you, I have a small pail with some weed” and he led them to the room where it was.
His lawyer, Peter Alleyne told the court that ‘the herb is sacramental” and while it is not yet legalized in Dominica it is in some other parts of the world. He begged the court to impose a “small fine” on his client.
However, Magistrate Bernard Pacquette, said while he understood what Alleyne was saying, he had a responsibility in law, since the drug is still “very much illegal in Dominica.”
Thomas was also arrested for possession of 3,632 grams of cannabis and cultivation of 119 plants of the drug.
He has pleaded not guilty and the matter is set to be heard in Grand Bay next year.
The country of Uruguay has just legalized marijuana. Dominica the day is coming. This fine is just unjust. Legalize the herb.
life must go on keep ur head up high.who ever send them urs infront the person own behind
question why don’t we just legalize it and tax it like certain states in the US I mean its just causing a lot of people to get a criminal record and most of it goes untaxed by the country. Legalize it and tax it another source of income for poor people and the country besides it might just help with the tourism industry a lot of people want a sanctuary where they can go a relax a smoke there herb without been troubled by the law like Amsterdam. Food for thought
As long as weed remains illegal, the “system” benefits substantially!
”Grand Bay man fined $2,500 for marijuana” Essentially what does this say? It says, that as long as you can afford it, you are a “free” individual. The law is designed to protect the rich, attack the strong, and enslave the poor. Greed fuels confusion in this “system”
Ever consider that the growers also make a mint and do not pay taxes for it? When will you get it into your head that these illegal drugs are dangerous to the health?
I would prefer growing vegetables which benefit the body, could avoid illness and add to long life healthily.
A mint could be derived from selling vegetables. People must learn to be smart. Use the property to grow fruits and vegetables for healthy living.
As long as weed remains illegal, the “system” benefits substantially!
”Grand Bay man fined $2,500 for marijuana” Essentially what does this say? It says, that as long as you can afford it, you are a “free” individual. The law is designed to protect the rich, attack the strong, and enslave the poor. Greed fuels confusion in this “system”
350g valued at $770 ….why should a man be imprisoned for such a little amount of marijuana ?
6 months imprisonment? in 6 months gov’t will spend more than $770 to feed this young man.why not give him community work instead?if he is not employed where is he going to get $770? ….weired.
This is a natural plant like any other plant why is it not legal,,, Dominican use all kind of herb for tea, Tobacco , and alcohol are legal?.
That’s why it is not a good thing to be jealous of people you don’t how and what they do to prosper. Keep on the “Strait and narrow path”. It is better to have little and be at peace than to have great riches acquired through dishonest living.
What is also bad, they are using fertile land to grow them rather than growing food for them to eat to keep themselves and others healthy.
God will hold them accountable for that. It is a wasteage of good soil, given to them by God Himself.