A taxi-driver who was charged with trafficking over eight pounds of cannabis reportedly found in the trunk of the car he had been driving, was yesterday sentenced to three years for the crime, and fined $1.7 million.
It was alleged that Sherwin Edward Clarke, on February 11, at Fire Side Grill, in George-town, had in his possession 3.86 kilogrammes (8.5 pounds) of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
Clarke, who was charged in February, was on trial before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
The matter was prosecuted by Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) prosecutor, Narissa Leander.
At the culmination of Clarke’s trial, the Chief Magistrate stated that it was the defendant’s case that prior to February 11, he received a call and met an individual on the Canje bridge, where they made arrangements for a pickup on February 11.
On the day in question, the defendant noted that he met with the passenger, reversed his car at the very bridge, and a package was placed in his car trunk. He was then asked to take the package to Georgetown.
According to the Chief Magistrate, the defendant offered to change his plea to guilty after his evidence-in-chief, but the request was denied by the court.
It was further noted that the accused gave four oral statements to CANU officers admitting that the narcotics were his.
The court later ruled that there was sufficient evidence led by the prosecutor to establish that the accused was in
possession of the drugs, and that he had knowledge of the illegal substance.
He was subsequently found guilty of the crime.
In response to the Chief Magistrate’s question on whether he wished to say anything, Clarke told the court that, “As a law abiding citizen with no previous conviction, I would like to thank those who testified against me, even though they lied against me, a lie that not only hurt me but my family, especially my unborn child. With this I’ve learnt to check packages before I leave. I respect any decision the court makes.”
Clarke was then sentenced to three years in prison and fined $1,785,168.
