Shopkeeper held in Paul’s Avenue police raid to be sentenced today

A 62-year-old shopkeeper of Paul’s Avenue will be sentenced today at the Serious Offences Court (SOC), for being in possession of 2913 grammes of cannabis and an unlicensed 8 mm pistol.

When he appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, November 14, Cameron Providence pleaded guilty to possession of one Valtro 8 mm pistol without a license issued under the Firearm Act.

Some of the items found in Providence’s possession during the Police raid

He also pleaded guilty to being in possession of 2913 grammes (6.4 pounds) of cannabis with intent to supply it to another, contrary to Section 7(3) of the Drug Prevention of Misuse Act, Chapter 284 of the Revised Edition of the laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

When Providence re-appears in court today, prior to being sentenced, attorney Jomo Thomas is expected to enter a plea in mitigation.

Providence was charged following a joint police operation last Thursday, November 10 in Paul’s Avenue.

The operation was coordinated by the Special Services Unit (SSU), Rapid Response Unit (RRU), Special Patrol Unit (SP), and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

A release from the RSVGPF said the operation “targeted the trafficking of illicit drugs, firearms, ammunition, and other forms of illegal activity. ”

It said during the operation, “authorities recovered 3020 grammes of cannabis, one Beretta 9 mm pistol, one magazine containing two blank rounds, and several items suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained.”

EC$2047.50 was also reportedly seized during last Thursday’s raid.