Tobago man fined for cocaine

Nigel Mundy, a Tobago resident will have to pay $5,000 to avoid spending one year in jail. Mundy, 31, was charged with the importation and possession of 129 grams of cocaine. He pleaded guilty to both charges, when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Friday, 15th May 2009.{{more}}

According to the facts read in court, on Thursday 14th May 2009, St. Vincent Coast Guard officers responded to a distress call in Calliaqua waters. Officers encountered a boat with three persons, including Mundy on board. A search was carried out on the vessel and the cocaine was found in a knapsack, in eight small transparent plastic bags.

When cautioned by police, Mundy said that a man gave him the bag to give another man in St. Vincent. However when further questioned by the Chief Magistrate Sonya Young, Mundy said that he did not know what was in the bag that was given to him.

Mundy was fined $2,500 forthwith or one year imprisonment for the importation of the drug, and another $2,500 forthwith or one year imprisonment for the possession of 129 grams of cocaine with intent to supply to another. The sentences will run concurrently.