A 65-year-old man has been fined $28,000 after Police found 19.6 grams of marijuana at his Lot 115 Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) residence.
The Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court heard that Stephen Vaughn was found with the narcotic on February 26. He was charged with possession of narcotic for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5 (1) (a) (i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
When Vaughn appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam on Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to the charge and was ordered to pay a fine of $28,000 or in default serve one month in jail.
Reports are at about 11:30h on February 26, ranks of Regional Police Division Number Two, acting on information went to the home of Vaughn, a supervisor, and requested to conduct a search.
The marijuana that was found in a bag inside Stephen Vaughn’s home
While searching the premises in the man’s presence, Police ranks observed a black-handled bag on a barrel to the northern side of the bed. Upon searching the bag, a transparent plastic bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be Cannabis sativa was found.
Vaughn admitted to owning the substance and he was arrested and taken to the Anna Regina Police Station along with the cannabis which was later weighed in the presence.
In November of last year, the Government passed amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act which paved the way for the removal of custodial sentences for persons in possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana.
Although custodial sentences have been removed, persons found with one to 15 grams of cannabis will be required to undergo mandatory counselling while persons found with one to 30 grams of cannabis will be subjected to community service under the Extra-Mural Work Act for a period not exceeding six months. This forms part of the Government’s commitment to reducing the overcrowding of prisons by providing alternative sentencing. (G1)
