Convicted drug smuggler sentenced to time served, to be deported

A Guyanese national who attempted to smuggle cocaine and cannabis into Barbados more than five years ago has been sentenced to time served and will be deported.

Justice Pamela Beckles sentenced Collis Arlington Paul to 12 years’ imprisonment for trafficking 1.29 kilogrammes of cannabis and 607.81 grammes of cocaine within Barbados’ territorial waters, and to 10 years for possession and importation of the drugs, all on March 28, 2021. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Paul, along with three other men, was intercepted by the Coast Guard in a vessel within Barbados’ territorial waters, 20 nautical miles off South Point. The vessel contained 22 bags holding 343 packages of cannabis and cocaine.

During his interview, Paul admitted the drugs were his, stating: “My purpose was to deliver to a friend in Trinidad named Snoopy.”

After considering his guilty plea, mitigating factors, and the more than five years he spent on remand at HMP Dodds, the judge imposed a sentence of time served.

No mitigating factors were found in relation to the offence. In aggravation, the court cited the nature and gravity of the offences, their prevalence in society, the substantial quantity of drugs, the fact that the offences were committed for illegal profit, the harmful impact of such substances on the public, and the role played by the accused.

Citing the case of Keith Harold-Mills versus the Queen, Criminal Appeal No. 2A of 2009, the judge endorsed the position of Justice of Appeal Williams, noting that while a two-tiered sentencing regime should not exist for nationals and non-nationals, foreign prisoners often lack family support, may face discrimination, may not integrate easily into the prison system, and may encounter language or accent barriers that hinder rehabilitation.

She said: “There is therefore nothing to be gained from housing foreign prisoners for longer than absolutely necessary. However, the court cannot lose sight of the havoc which can be caused by the scourge of illegal drugs and Parliament, too, in recognising this, has sought to deter this type of illicit activity by legislating stiff penalties for the possession, importation and trafficking in illegal drugs. Such stiff penalties will maintain public confidence in the administration of justice by ensuring that the offender is justly punished.”

A two-year deduction was made from the starting point for each offence in light of Paul’s guilty plea, cooperation with police, and the delay in the case reaching trial, before applying the one-third discount and credit for time spent on remand.

“The accused has already spent 1 911 days in custody for these offences. Can any useful purpose be served in keeping him incarcerated for a longer period? I do not think so,” Justice Beckles said before ordering his release to the custody of the Immigration Department for deportation.

Acting Senior State Counsel Maya Kellman prosecuted the case, while attorney Samuel Legay represented Paul.

(JB)