The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AN American couple’s vacation in paradise was cut short after they were caught with 24 grams of marijuana last week.

Karl Dixon, 55, and Cindi Dixon, 53, were arrested after they were found with the drugs while vacationing in The Bahamas on December 4.

The duo pleaded guilty to simple possession of dangerous drugs during their arraignment before Magistrate Samuel McKinney yesterday.

The court was told that sometime around 2.30 pm on the day in question, officers were summoned to Prince George Wharf where they later met a security guard who handed over the cruise passengers along with a few containers containing suspected marijuana.

Police prosecution said the couple was cautioned, arrested and taken into police custody where they admitted to the offence. The court was also told the defendants claimed they used the drugs for medical purposes.

This was also supported by their attorney, who told the court that Karl Dixon was a cancer patient.

The attorney explained that the couple was visiting The Bahamas for the first time to enjoy “sun, sand and sea” before Dixon underwent surgery.

However, he said their vacation plans eventually came to a halt after the two were kicked off the cruise ship they were on, resulting in them being taken into police custody.

He argued that the couple, who had no prior convictions in The Bahamas, were not aware that marijuana was illegal in the country and were extremely remorseful for their actions.

The court was also shown a certificate verifying that Dixon used marijuana for medical purposes.

As a result, he was subsequently granted a conditional discharge, granted he does not commit the same offence. Meanwhile, Dixon’s wife was fined $500 or one month in prison.

During yesterday’s hearing, Magistrate McKinney also cautioned the couple to make sure to do their research before travelling, saying a “simple search” would have enlightened them as to what is permitted and not permitted in The Bahamas.