Magistrate grants man with a ‘leg issue’ time to pay trafficking fine

A 57 year old man who was fined $2,500 for trafficking cannabis to the Grenadines has claimed that he was only “trying to do something to help myself.”

Philbert Dewett of Bequia, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before Senior Magistrate, Colin John on Wednesday March 13,2024, where he pleaded guilty that on March 12, 2024 at Grenadines Wharf Kingstown, he had in his possession a controlled drug, to wit 2271 grammes of cannabis with intent to supply to another; and for the purpose of drug trafficking.

The facts, which were read by PC 196 Constantine stated that on the date in question, at 10:58 a.m, PC 69 Ashton and 911 Sayers were on duty at the Grenadines Wharf executing searches. PC Sayers observed Dewett carrying a camouflage backpack as he headed in her direction. She informed Dewett of her duties, and he began to act suspiciously then turned around to leave.

The officer then alerted PC Ashton about Dewett’s behaviour and Ashton stopped Dewett and told him that he would like to search his backpack. Dewett complied. PC Ashton searched the backpack in the presence of Dewett and PC Sayers and found four packages of plant-like material resembling marijuana.

PC Ashton cautioned Dewett who responded “Officer, is my weed.” Dewett was taken into custody along with his camouflage backpack. He was escorted to the Narcotics Unit where the packages were weighed in his presence. They amounted to 2271 grammes. Dewett was taken with his backpack to the Central Police Station where he was charged for possession and trafficking of a controlled drug.

After the facts were read, Dewett told the Senior Magistrate that he has an issue with his leg, and stated “I’m trying to do something to help myself.”

Senior Magistrate John noted that though Dewett has previous convictions, they are “very old.” He then fined Dewett $2,500 to be paid in one month in default of which he will spend six months in prison. However, Dewett asked that he be given two months to pay, and the Senior Magistrate allowed the request.

John reprimanded and discharged Dewett for possession of the drug, and ordered that it be destroyed.