By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
AN AMERICAN woman who was caught with marijuana avoided receiving a conviction after she explained she had the drugs for medicinal purposes.
Jennifer Makarevich, 24, was arrested after US border agents on duty at Lynden Pindling International Airport found two grams of Indian hemp in her luggage on November 8.
The prosecution said officers were summoned to the US customs screening area where they spoke with border agents who handed them a clear bag with marijuana. The court was told that the American officers then pointed out Makarevich who was subsequently arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit. When questioned, she acknowledged the drugs were found in her suitcase and said she had it for her personal use to assist with pain and headaches.
Yesterday, the Brooklyn, New York native told the magistrate she showed DEU officers her prescription when she was questioned in custody. She also said she was not aware of The Bahamas’ laws concerning marijuana, or the fact that a “small amount” of the drug was in her luggage when she travelled to the country.
In response, Magistrate McKinney told Makarevich as a visitor to a foreign nation she should have done her research before leaving home. However, he said the court considered the amount of the drugs and the fact that she had a “prescription for medical purposes.”
As a result, he granted Makarevich an absolute discharge and dismissed her case.
Commenting has been disabled for this item.