Cannabis grower must pay

A 45-year-old lorry loader has three months to pay $3,000 to the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court if he wants to avoid spending time behind bars at HMP Dodds.

Sylvester Christopher Phillips, of Block 7F, Factory Avenue, Wildey, St Michael pleaded guilty to the February 12 charges of possession, possession with intent to supply, possession with intent to traffic and cultivation of cannabis.

Station Sergeant Cameron Gibbons told Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant that lawmen were carrying out investigations at Phillips’ residence where they discovered several pots with cannabis trees in the backyard after a family member let them in. Phillips was not at home at time but subsequently turned himself in and admitted knowledge and ownership of the two pounds of marijuana which had a $2,175 estimated street value.

He was reprimanded and discharged on the possession and supply charges and the fine imposed on the other two offences.

Phillips must return to court on May 14 to show proof of payment.