The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO tourists who tried to go through the American customs station at Lynden Pindling International Airport with marijuana in their luggage were fined in magistrate’s court yesterday.

Justin Perkins, 28, and Elizabeth Peden Lea, 46, were arrested after US border control agents found marijuana gummies, cannabis oil and five grams of Indian hemp in their suitcase on January 19.

The pair pleaded guilty to three counts of simple possession during a hearing before Magistrate Samuel McKinney.

The court was told that the Tennessee natives presented themselves to US customs officers at the airport while attempting to travel to Atlanta. The prosecution said after speaking with the defendants, the American officials decided to search their luggage. During the search the officers found a quantity of loose marijuana, 15 gummy candies and a lamp with hash oil in the bag. Perkins and Peden Lea were subsequently arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit. During an interview with police there, Perkins told officers the drugs were his. He said he bought them when he was in the US.

Peden Lea also told the magistrate they had purchased the items legally in the States and did not realise they were illegal in The Bahamas. She said it was their first time visiting the country and insisted they did not do enough research on the local laws.

After listening to her explanation, Magistrate McKinney fined each accused $500 or three months in prison for being in possession of the loose marijuana. He also fined Perkins another $1,200 for the marijuana gummies and cannabis oil. Peden Lea, however, was discharged on those offences.