The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAGISTRATE ruled that the prosecution in a 130 pound marijuana seizure trial has produced sufficient evidence for the accused to answer a drug charge.

As a result of the ruling, 20-year-old Justin Turnquest will have to begin his defence before Deputy Chief Magistrate Carolita Bethell on January 16 concerning the charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

In November 2011, Turnquest, of Wulff Road, was charged along with 26-year-old Derez Cartwright of Garden Hills 1.

The pair were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez on one count of drug possession with the intent to supply and two counts of possession of ammunition.

It is claimed that on November 26, 2011 the men were in possession of 130 pounds go Indian Hemp and six live rounds of ammunition at a home on Geranium Avenue.

After Cartwright’s early admission of guilt and claim of ownership of the narcotics and ammunition, the chief magistrate sentenced him to serve four years at Her Majesty’s Prison, the minimum possible sentence.

Turnquest pleaded not guilty, but the prosecution did not withdraw the charges against him, as they did for the third initial defendant, Alicia Cartwright.

Between his arraignment in 2011 and his last appearance before the court, the prosecution presented evidence concerning the accused and his alleged involvement.

His lawyer responded with a no-case submission on Thursday, January 3, saying the evidence was vague, inconsistent and of “tenuous character”.

Prosecutor ASP Ercel Dorsett responded, saying officers found a large amount of drugs in open sight in the Garden Hills home.

He said when the defendant was interviewed, he told police that he was helping to package the drugs.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Bethell ruled, the following day, that Turnquest had a case to answer and adjourned the trial to January 16.