Otis George a Dominican man who recently arrived in Antigua has pleaded guilty to cannabis possession and was slapped with a three thousand dollar fine by Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh.
Brief facts of the case
Armed with a search warrant, the Drug Squad Unit of Antigua & Barbuda along with other Police Officers went to the home of George on Fort Road and after meeting him and reading the search warrant to him proceeded to search his residence and found three transparent plastic bags on a shelf and a sum of money.
When asked about the contents he said it belonged to him for his use. He was arrested and taken to Police Headquarters where the drugs were weighed and amounted to 90 grams, the money was counted and totaled $460.00. The drugs have a street value of $888.00
In his defense, he told the court that he was not aware of the laws of Antigua as it relates to cannabis.
The Chief Magistrate imposed a fine of $3,000.00 to be paid on or before September 30, 2023, in default 6 months in jail. The prosecution also made an application to have the money seized deeming it “proceeds of crime.” The request was granted.
Meantime, his worries are not yet over as he was arrested and charged with Renee Horsford for possession of 262. 3 grams of cannabis. Both men pleaded “not guilty” to that charge, Horsford was granted bail in the sum of $5,000.00 with a cash component of $1,500.00. The matter is set for trial on August 22, 2023.