WATER TAXI OPERATOR CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED DRUG

By Desrine McTair. Updated 5:08 p.m., Sunday, February 11th, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

A Water Taxi Operator of Hamilton, Bequia has been arrested and charged with the offences of Possession of a Controlled Drug and Possession of a Controlled Drug for the purpose of Drug Trafficking.

According to a press release, February 9th, 2024, 55-year-old Barrington Harris was a passenger on one of the ferry boats that traveled from St. Vincent to Bequia. On arrival at Port Elizabeth Wharf, a police officer on duty requested a search of the defendant’s person. He agreed and Harris said to the officer “Officer, ah have a piece weed on me.”

Harris was cautioned by the officer, arrested on suspicion of Possession of a Controlled Drug, and taken to the Port Elizabeth Police Station, stated the press release.

A thorough search was conducted on the defendant and the drug was found in a backpack he was wearing. The drug was weighed and amounted to three hundred and thirteen (313) grams, the press release further stated.

Harris appeared before the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Wednesday 7th February 2024 and pleaded guilty to the charges. He was fined $500.00ECC forthwith or three (3) months imprisonment for Drug Trafficking. He paid the fine and was reprimanded and discharged for Possession of a Controlled Drug, the press release concluded.