The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

AN Eleuthera man who was found with over two ounces of marijuana was fined $300 yesterday.

James Kemp was charged with one count of dangerous drug possession after officers seized 2.5 ounces of Indian hemp from him on July 17.

He pleaded guilty during his hearing before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux yesterday and was fined $300 or three months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The court heard on the day in question, officers in Eleuthera went to Kemp’s premises armed with a search warrant. While searching outside the yard in the presence of the defendant, officers discovered a foil wrap on the ground near a dog cage. They also found a clear plastic bottle containing a quantity of suspected marijuana. Kemp was subsequently arrested and transported to the Rock Sound Police Station, where he admitted to the offence in an interview with police.

When given an opportunity to speak, Kemp told the magistrate he wanted to apologise for his actions. He also said the drugs that were found in the back of the yard had been there from “God knows when.” Still, he said he took full responsibility for them.

Yesterday, Orlando Strachan, 25, was also charged with marijuana possession after he was found with five grams of Indian hemp on July 16.

The court was told officers were on mobile patrol in the Soldier Road area around 3.30pm on the day in question, when they saw Strachan. The prosecution said when the defendant noticed the police officers, he began to act in a suspicious manner. As a result, the officers approached Strachan and informed him he would be searched in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms.

During their investigation, officers discovered four foil wraps containing a quantity of suspected marijuana in his pants pocket. He was subsequently arrested. During an interview with police a short time later, he admitted to the offence. Still, he claimed he had found the drugs on the ground while he was walking to the bar.

During his hearing, Strachan also pleaded guilty and was placed on probation for three months. Magistrate Turnquest-Deveaux told told him if he was charged with a similar offence within that timeframe, he would spend three months in custody.