“I smoke my honour” 60 year old on drug charge tells Magistrate

A 60 year old man who was convicted three times for drug offences has now been fined for drug trafficking.

Barrington Harris appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John on Wednesday February, 7,2024 where he pleaded guilty to two drug charges.

He was charged that on February 6, 2024 in Bequia, Port Elizabeth he had in his possession a controlled drug, to wit 313 grammes of Cannabis with intent to supply to another. He was also charged that on the same date and in the same place, he was found in possession of the same drug for the purposes of drug trafficking.

The facts read to the court by Prosecutor, Corlene Samuel are that on Wednesday February ,6, 2024 around 12:45 p.m Constable 146 Cato, along with Corporal 761 Pompey were on duty at the Port Elizabeth Wharf dressed in Rapid Response Unit uniform. While there, Admiral Ferry entered the port and several persons got off.

Constable Cato saw Harris among the group of people with a blue book bag; he was acting suspiciously. As a result, Constable Cato and Corporal Pompey approached Harris. Pompey identified himself and Cato to Harris and requested a search, to which Harris consented.

Before the search, Harris said “Officer me get a small piece of weed.” Cato then checked Harris’ bag and saw what appeared to be plant like materials. Harris was arrested and taken to the Port Elizabeth Police Station where he was cautioned by Cato in the presence of Pompey.

He was informed of the offence of the possession of controlled drug, as well as that of trafficking. The contents were weighed in his presence and amounted to 313 grammes which had a street value of EC$500.00.

When Senior Magistrate John asked Harris what he was going to do with the weed, Harris responded “I smoke, my honour.”

John then noted that Harris has previous convictions for possession of controlled drugs.

“Cannabis – 2010; 2011 – Cocaine; 2017 – Cannabis,” John listed.

“Mr Harris, the possession of controlled drug unless…under certain conditions is still illegal, you hear,” The Senior Magistrate warned, adding that one must be registered for medical cannabis use to be in legal possession of such substance.

John then fined Harris $500 to be paid forthwith or serve three months in prison for trafficking the drug. On the charge for being in possession, Harris was reprimanded and discharged.