Six month bond for farmer

A22-year-old farmer is now on a six-month bond after he admitted to cannabis-related charges in a Bridgetown Court.

Donte Rudolph Leroy Forde of Cutting Road, Haggatt Hall, St Michael, pleaded guilty to having, trafficking and intending to supply 217 grammes of the controlled substance on December 10.

Station Sergeant Chrisna Williams told the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court No. 1 that members of The Barbados Police Service and Barbados Defence Force were conducting an operation in Haggatt Hall and saw the accused driving along Cutting Road. He was stopped, and a strong scent of cannabis emanated from the vehicle. Forde consented to a search of the car, and several clear plastic bags containing the drug were found in a blue string bag on the floor. The accused told the lawmen, “That is my marijuana.”

The estimated street value for the cannabis was $1 085.

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes reprimanded and discharged Forde for the offences of possession and intending to supply, while placing him on a bond for the trafficking offence. If breached, Forde must pay $1 000 forthwith or serve 120 days in jail.