Guyanese man fined in Barbados over ganja

(Barbados Nation) Members of the Drug Squad have arrested and charged a Guyanese visitor for a number of drug related offences, which were allegedly committed at the Grantley Adams International Airport on Saturday, October 7.

He is 23-year-old Nicholas Charles Phillips and he is charged with possession of cannabis, possession with intent to supply cannabis, trafficking of cannabis, and importation of cannabis.

Phillips arrived from Jamaica and having cleared Immigration, he proceeded to customs where his luggage was searched. During this search Customs officers discovered one black taped package containing cannabis, concealed in his suitcase.

The police were informed and Phillips was subsequently arrested and later charged for the offences.

Phillips appeared before Chief Magistrate Christopher Birch in the District ‘C’ Magistrates Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to the offences.

He was fined Bds$500 forthwith for the offence of possession of cannabis; and reprimanded and discharged (R&D) for the offences of possession with intent to supply and trafficking, and convicted, reprimanded and discharged (CRD) for the offence of importation.

The fine was paid, and Phillips handed over to Immigration Officers for deportation.

The weight of the cannabis is approximately 151 grammes with an estimated value of Bds$755.