By Azara Lavia
Andell Joseph, a 39-year-old fisherman from Jennings, was fined $3,000 for possession of 29.5 grams of cannabis in the Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Joseph pleaded guilty to the charge and was given 30 days to pay the fine. Failure to do so will result in a 90-day prison sentence.
The cannabis, which was packaged in 22 Ziploc bags, was intercepted during a police stop-and-search operation on January 19, in the vicinity of Big Creek.
Law enforcement officers, while on duty, observed a red Honda Fit, registration number A57795, moving suspiciously.
Upon intercepting and searching the vehicle, the controlled substance was discovered and subsequently seized.
The cannabis was subsequently weighed and found to have an estimated street value of EC $320.
Joseph addressed the court, presided over by Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason, explaining that he had been facing financial hardship due to a slow fishing season.
He stated that his actions were an attempt to pay tuition fees for his daughter, who is excelling in her studies at the University of the West Indies.