A vendor was fined and sentenced after he confessed to trafficking 2.3 kg of cannabis.
Shon Sam, 35, a vendor of Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, attended court on March 17 when he was read the charge by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
The charge alleged that, on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 70km Police Outpost, Cuyuni River, he had in his possession, 2.3 kg of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded guilty to the charge.
Following his plea, the police prosecutor told the court that ranks at the 70km Police Outpost found the illicit substance in a Torginal paint bucket. He further explained that Sam was stopped by the police who searched the vehicle he was driving, a Toyota Land Cruiser. The paint bucket was found and upon further examination, they discovered three bulky, transparent, plastic parcels which contained the suspected narcotic. The prosecutor said that Sam confessed to the allegation and was taken to the police outpost.
Sam told the court that while on his way to his destination, he was stopped by someone who asked him to do them a favour. The favour being, to take the bucket to a location. Sam said that he had no knowledge of the substance nor did he check the contents of the bucket. Regardless, he said that he takes full responsibility for the substance which he was asked to transport and he asked that the Magistrate be lenient when penalizing him as he is the father of five minors.
The Chief Magistrate then sentenced Sam to three years in prison and fined him $1,518,660.
