Guyanese defendant confesses to narcotics smuggling near Barbados

A foreign national from Guyana has accepted responsibility for importing cannabis and cocaine within Barbados's waters, with his punishment to be determined at a later hearing.

Guyanese defendant confesses to narcotics smuggling near Barbados

A man originating from Guyana has entered guilty pleas to several controlled-substance violations connected to a seaborne interception that took place half a decade ago. Colis Arlington Paul is slated to reappear before the tribunal toward the end of the current month for the penalty phase.

The accused conceded that on March 28, 2021, he was involved with 1.29 kilogrammes of marijuana within the maritime boundaries of Barbados, covering possession, distribution, and bringing the substance into the country. He further accepted identical charges relating to 607.81 grammes of cocaine on the same day.

Representing Paul, attorney Samuel Legay petitioned the bench to compile documentation detailing how long his client has already been held in pre-trial detention.

Justice Pamela Beckles will consider arguments regarding the appropriate sanction from both Legay and prosecuting counsel Maya Kellman on June 23. The definitive ruling on imprisonment or other measures is earmarked for June 30.

Reported by Barbados Today

Source: Barbados Today