The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

TWO American tourists who attempted to travel back to their home states with marijuana infused candy in their luggage were each ordered to pay $200 to avoid spending a month in jail.

In the first incident, police arrested Robert Vingi, 30, after US customs officers found 12 pieces of Indian hemp infused candies in his luggage on March 28.

The court was told the New York native, who had plans to travel to North Carolina, presented himself to US border officials at the Lynden Pindling International Airport around noon that day. The prosecution said while the defendant was at the gate, he was approached by the American custom officers who questioned him. The officers became suspicious based on Vingi’s response and conducted a secondary search of his belongings.

This time, they found the marijuana candies in his bag. After officers were notified of the incident, the accused and the drugs were taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit for examination and questioning. During his interview, Vingi admitted the candies were his, but said he had them to assist with his sleeping. He insisted he was not aware marijuana was illegal in the country.

Yesterday, he told the magistrate he was never searched a second time at the airport. Instead, he claimed he was actually seated on his flight when US border officials boarded the plane to come and get him. Still, he acknowledged the drugs were found among his belongings.

After pleading guilty to one count of simple possession during his arraignment before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes, Vingi was fined $200 or one month in prison.

Meanwhile, Cordell Riggins, 32, was charged after US border patrol agents found 1.38 ounces of marijuana gummy candies in his travel bag on March 29.

He also owned up to the offence when he appeared before Magistrate Forbes, but stated that he travelled from his home state of Texas with the “five pieces of candy” without even realising it was in his bag.

In response, Magistrate Forbes noted that within the last three months, several American citizens had been arrested for drug related infractions after being stopped by US border agents when they attempted to return home.

After accepting Riggins’ guilty plea, he also fined the accused $200 or one month in prison. Magistrate Forbes said after the fines were paid, both men would be handed over to the director of immigration to assist with their return back to the United States.