Jamaican man on ganja charges in St Vincent denied bail

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – A Jamaican man has been remanded after he appeared in the Serious Offences Court on Monday charged with possession of 30.85lbs of marijuana with intent to supply.

Novian Travis Vaughn Mullings, 29, is alleged to have had the drugs in a suitcase while attempting to board a flight to Barbados at the Argyle International Airport on the night of Sunday, July 28.

Police have also charged him with possession of the drug for the purpose of drug trafficking and attempting to export marijuana.

When he made his first appearance in court, Mullings said that he did not have legal representation and would like a lawyer.

He told the court that his relatives are unaware of his presence in Kingstown and would like to contact persons in both Jamaica and Barbados.

The matter was stood down and when it resumed, attorney Grant Connell rose on Mullings’ behalf.

Mullings then pleaded not guilty to all charges.

But prosecutor Tameka McKenzie objected to bail, arguing that Mullings was a non-national with no significant ties to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

However, Connell argued that being a non-national is not sufficient ground upon which to object to bail.

He said the value of the drugs was EC$6,000 and that there is an affidavit stating that the value of the marijuana is EC$200 per pound.

The lawyer argued that the value of the drug speaks to the seriousness of the offence.

He said that the drug lab takes up to six months to test marijuana and asked that Mullings be granted EC$6,000 bail.

The Court said that EC$60,000 cash bail might be more appropriate, but Connell argued that only about five families in the country might be able to meet such a bail condition.

In the end, bail was denied and Mullings was ordered to return to court on September 13.

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