US man fined, to provide community service for 12 “joints”
Delroy Julius Seaforth
Thirty-year-old Delroy Julius Seaforth of New Jersey, United States of America (USA), who was nabbed with 12 “joints” at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Mashramani Day, has been ordered to pay a fine of $30,000 and to do three days of community service.
When he appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, Seaforth pleaded guilty to trafficking 16.8 grams of Cannabis sativa (marijuana).
In arriving at an appropriate punishment for Seaforth, the Magistrate considered that he is a first-time offender, that he came to Guyana to attend a funeral, and that he is a US national. He is expected to depart Guyana on February 28.
As such, Magistrate Latchman ordered that he report to the Vigilance Police Station on February 24, 25, and 27 to carry out community service.
Based on reports received, on the day in question, officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) intercepted Seaforth, an incoming passenger at the CJIA with 12 rolled “joints”, which later tested positive for cannabis.
The 12 rolled “joints” that were found on the man
He was then cautioned, arrested, and escorted to CANU’s Headquarters.
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.
