A Vincentian taxi-driver was remanded until today after appearing in the District “A” Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday on four drug charges.
Cephas Urais Bowen, 42, of Arnos Vale, St. Vincent, is charged with importing $136 000 worth of cannabis to Barbados on July 18, possession, trafficking and intent to supply.
The charges were read by Magistrate Pamela Beckles, but no pleas were taken. {{more}}
Bowen was scheduled to appear in the District “B” Boarded Hall Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Meanwhile in the No. 4 Supreme Court three Vincentians are answering charges of importing 475.3 kilogrammes, or 995.37 pounds, of cannabis into the island on March 24, 2001. The three are also charged with possession and drug trafficking.
The officer who dealt with accused Vincentian Urnice Nigel England continues to give his testimony when the drug trial continues in the No. 4 Supreme Court.
England, along with other Vincentians Kem Harvey Gill and Christopher Smith, are accused of importing 475.3 kilogrammes, or 995.37 pounds, of cannabis into the island on March 24, 2001. The three are also charged with possession and drug trafficking.
England and Smith are representing themselves, Andrew Pilgrim is appearing for Gill, while Principal Crown Counsel Manila Renée is prosecuting.
Sergeant Cecil Watson said on March 25, Station Sergeant Dale Crichlow gave him a Barbados emergency travel document and a St. Vincent and the Grenadines passport with England’s name.
On April 3, he saw England at Willoughby Fort and he told him about drugs being landed, and his passport being found at Dover Beach. England agreed to go the Oistins Police Station, Watson said.
Station Sergeant Dale Crichlow under cross-examination by Pilgrim, said he did not find accused Gill with any drugs.
He said, however, Gill confessed “orally”.
The station sergeant said he found the accused man’s passport in a bag with the drugs and later denied that another lawman had given him the passport before he arrived on the beach.
Crichlow denied he was the “author” of Gill’s statements, as suggested by Pilgrim, having transferred one of them from another drug case in which he was involved.
“You feel Vincentians all say ‘me this’‚ and ‘me that’‚ and you wrote up the statements,” Pilgrim suggested.
“No, Sir,” Crichlow replied.
A nine-member mixed jury of four women and five men is hearing the case, while Mr. Justice LeRoy Inniss presides. Tha case continues.