Pre-sentencing reports have been ordered on two men who admitted to having over $20 000 worth of marijuana concealed in Bluetooth speakers.
Rudolph McDonald Lewis, a 54-year-old storeroom supervisor, of Olive Lodge Road, Holder’s Hill, St James and 33-year-old disc jockey Dwayne Jamal Stanford, of Near Carlton, Black Rock Main Road, St Michael pleaded guilty to the charges before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court.
According to Station Sergeant Randolph Boyce, lawmen were on duty on July 22 when they received information about a vehicle and its occupants.
The motorcar was spotted travelling along the Barrow section of the ABC Highway heading towards the Norman Niles roundabout. It was stopped and the occupants were told by officers of the investigations.
When the car was searched, three boxes each containing the speakers were found in the backseat. In them were a total of 19 packages of the substance wrapped in carbon and transparent tape.
When the men were asked to account for the drugs they denied knowledge and ownership. However, during investigations at the police station they took responsibility for the 2.95 kilogrammes or $23 600 worth of cannabis. They were charged with possession and possession with intent to traffic.
Before Magistrate Kim Butcher the men, both first-time offenders, gave similar explanations for committing the offence.
Lewis said: “I received a call from a friend of a friend overseas to collect a package . . . went for it. On my way home I was stopped by law enforcement. I owned up to everything and I take full responsibility. I am very sorry for my actions and I promise you it will never happen again.”
Stanford said: “Your honour I was called to receive a package. We collected it from the company. We were stopped by law enforcement. I admit my hand in it . . . I am asking for leniency . . . I am not that type of person.”
The two were granted $9 000 bail each with one surety to reappear before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on October 10.
They must however report to a police station every Monday by 8 a.m. until the matter is completed.
Lewis will report to the Holetown Police Station while Stanford will attend the Black Rock Police Station.
