Block 2000 man fined $700 for cocaine rocks

A Block 2000 man was yesterday fined $700, after he was found with three rocks of cocaine.{{more}}

When he appeared before the Serious Offences Court, Devon Charles pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of the drugs.

Police say that the cocaine was discovered around 4 a.m. last Friday, when a party of police officers

from the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) executed a search warrant on Charles’ residence with respect to an illegal firearm and ammunition. A search of Charles’ bedroom by the police turned up transparent wrappings containing a white substance.

The offence was pointed out to him by the officers and he replied “Ah rock cocaine.”

Officers also discovered EC$750 which consisted of six $100 notes, five $20 notes, three $10 notes and two $5 notes. Police concluded that the money had been earned through the sale of illegal drugs.

However, during mitigation, Charles’ counsel, Sylvester Raymond-Cadette said the way the money was divided, it does not seem to have come from the sale of illegal drugs. The lawyer noted that his client was last convicted three years ago and asked that Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias take that into consideration.

Raymond-Cadette requested a fine, stating that his client oversees a large house left behind by family members and if he is given a custodial sentence, the house would most likely be burglarized.

Browne-Matthias pointed out that Charles has an unattractive record of convictions which are similar to the one presently before her.

She, however, acquiesed to the lawyer’s request and imposed a fine of $700, which was to be paid forthwith. Charles was also ordered to forfeit the money that had been confiscated by the police. (AS)