Accused denies knowing sender of cannabis barrel

An accused drug trafficker told police he believed that a barrel sent to him from Canada contained only foodstuffs and denied any knowledge of its sender or the cannabis found inside.

During his interview with police, Venice Stephen said that he did not know a “William Phillips” and believed the barrel sent to him only contained foodstuffs.

Stephen, of Sealy Land, Government Hill, is on trial in the No. 5 Supreme Court, accused of having, trafficking, and importing 15.5 kilogrammes of cannabis on July 15, 2020.

Taking the witness stand on Friday, Sergeant Jules McConney, who was the lead investigator, told the court that he conducted an electronic interview with the accused at Oistins Police Station the following day.

During that interview, which was shown to the nine-member jury, McConney pointed out that the barrel had been sent from William Phillips of an address in Toronto, Ontario, and asked Stephen who Phillips was.

“I have no idea,” Stephen replied.

Asked if it was the first time Phillips had sent him a barrel, the accused again responded that he did not know Phillips.

“If you do not know a William Phillips, why did you go to collect the barrel?”

“The agent called me and say there is a barrel for me to pick up,” the accused said, later adding, “I had no idea about no cannabis coming to me in a barrel. I know about foodstuffs, sir.”

In the recording, Stephen told the police that if the customs officer had not found the packages of cannabis and he had discovered them upon reaching home, he would have reported the matter to the police.

The accused also stated that he had no idea who paid to ship the barrel.

During her cross-examination, defence attorney Sade Harris asked if a check was made to see whether the accused had travelled to Canada prior to the incident. McConney replied, “No.”

She also questioned whether he had received a forensic report on Stephen’s mobile phone, which was taken into police custody, and if there was any digital evidence of the accused having a contact named William Phillips or communicating with him.

McConney replied “no” to both questions.

He also stated that the accused had not attempted to run when the police arrived at the warehouse and that no lock was handed over to lawmen.

The trial continues on March 10 before Justice Pamela Beckles.