By Admin. Updated 12:17 p.m., Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
A 21-year-old unemployed woman has been fined for having and trafficking cocaine, but she could face two years in prison if she fails to pay the fine.
In a press release, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said that on Sunday 14th January 2024, about 6:15 a.m., officers from the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), Narcotics Unit, and Special Services Unit (SSU) conducted a joint operation in Layou and executed a Search Warrant at the house where Terrica Patterson, 21 years Unemployed of Layou resides.
During the search, a small darkish-looking purse was discovered with on what appeared to be cocaine wrapped in a transparent plastic bag, police said.
“The defendant was cautioned and she admitted it was cocaine. She was arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine. The drug was later weighed and amounted to 21 grammes,” police said.
Patterson was subsequently charged with possession of 21 grammes of cocaine with intent to supply it to another, and possession of 21 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of drug trafficking, police said.
The defendant appeared at the Serious Offences Court on January 15, 2024 and pleaded guilty to both charges, police said.
She was fined $ 5000.00 to be paid by April 15, 2024, for the offence of drug trafficking or two (2) years in prison.
For the offence of being in possession of a controlled drug, Patterson was reprimanded and discharged, and placed on a bond for one (1) year.
If she breaches the bond, she is mandated to pay a fine of $ 2000 forthwith or one (1) year in prison.
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