The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were charged with drug possession in separate incidents in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Carlin Smith, 26, appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes after he was found with Indian Hemp and methylenedioxyamphetamine on April 24.

He pleaded guilty to the charges and was conditionally discharged for 12 months. He was also ordered to attend drug counselling classes.

According to prosecutor Lakesia Moss, around 9.20pm last Friday, officers observed a grey Honda Accord driving along East Street in breach of the curfew order. Officers beckoned the vehicle to stop and informed the driver, who identified himself as Carlin Smith, of the offence. When questioned, Smith told the officers he was getting water for his household. Officers also informed Smith they would search him in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms, but did not find anything on him. Still, while searching his vehicle, officers found a clear plastic bag with suspected marijuana and a clear pill capsule with suspected meth inside.When questioned during an interview at the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), Smith told officers he had purchased the marijuana for $20 and was given the pill by a friend.

During the hearing, Smith told Magistrate Forbes he had been smoking since 2011. He also revealed he had been a part of a drug counselling programme, but had “slipped up” and returned to his old habits. Smith said he didn’t do meth because when he tried it the first time it made him feel “spacey”. He also claimed he had put the pill in his pocket and forgotten about it.

In response, Magistrate Forbes warned Smith of the dangers of meth which he explained could cause irreversible brain damage. He also told Smith he would give him a second chance to attend drug counselling, but warned him if he failed to attend the classes he would be convicted and sentenced to six months in prison.

David Petithomme, 36, also appeared before Magistrate Forbes after he was found in possession of Indian hemp on March 20. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $1,000 or six months in prison.

Prosecutor Moss told the court around 10.30am on the day in question, officers on mobile patrol in the Carmichael Road area observed two men standing at a bus stop. Upon seeing the police car, the two men began acting in a suspicious manner. When approached, the men were informed they would be searched in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms. While searching Petithomme, officers discovered a clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana. The officers did not find anything on the next male and he was allowed to leave. While reading the facts, Inspector Moss revealed Petithomme was previously charged with being in possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to supply in 2017 and was fined $500 or three months in prison for the offence.

As a result, Magistrate Forbes asked Petithomme why he didn’t learn from the first time he committed the offence and told him his mistake would cost him double since the penalty increases each time an offence is committed.

In a separate matter, a 33-year-old-man was charged with stealing two cars.

Tenaj Thompson appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with stealing and receiving a 2001 silver Honda Fit belonging to Donald Cooper on April 22. Thompson was also accused of stealing and receiving a 2001 silver Honda Fit which belonged to Jeffrey Feaster on February 24. Both vehicles were said to be valued at $3,000.

Thompson denied the charges and the matter was adjourned to September 28 at 10am. Bail was denied and he was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BCDS) in the interim.