A Vincentian man living in Holland has been fined EC$770 after being found with 1,986 grammes (4.4lbs) of cannabis at Argyle International Airport while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
The man, Kelroy Edwards, a 70- year-old musician, originally of Barrouallie, told police that a friend had given him the drug and he thought it was legal to take it with him.
Edwards pleaded guilty at the Serious Offences Court on Monday to charges that on April 26, at Argyle International Airport, he had 1,986 grammes of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of drug trafficking; had it in his possession with intent to supply it to another; and he attempted to export the controlled drug.
The facts, as presented by the prosecutor, Inspector of Police Renrick Cato, are that the marijuana was found inside six packages wrapped in plastic and taped that were inside a black duffle bag that Edwards had checked in on his Virgin Atlantic flight to the UK.
When cautioned by PC1021 Thomas, who was on duty at the airport, Edward responded:
“Officer, me think it been legal. My friends them gave me and tell me I can carry it for my friends them back home in Amsterdam.”
In mitigation, Edwards’ lawyer, Grant Connell, told the court that his client was remorseful and assisted the police.
He said Edwards had no previous convictions.
Edwards explained further that he did not know that cannabis is illegal, as it is used freely in Amsterdam for “home use” and as a medicine.
Chief Magistrate Colin John fined Edward EC$270 on the exportation charge and ordered him to pay the amount forthwith, or spend three months in prison.
He was reprimanded and discharged on the charge of possession with intent to supply.
On the charge of possession for drug trafficking, Edwards was fined EC$500 to be paid forthwith or three months in prison.
The magistrate also ordered that the drug be destroyed.
