The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL men appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday charged with a number of drug-related offences.

Neil Quarrie, 40, of Abaco, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged with one count of possession of dangerous drugs and another count of drug possession with intent to supply after police said they found him with 10lbs of marijuana in the Fox Town community on January 13.

During his arraignment yesterday, Quarrie pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently granted $8,000 bail with one surety.

The 40-year-old was also ordered to report to the Marsh Harbour Police Station on Wednesdays before 6pm.

Devonte Bethel, 24, also appeared before Magistrate McKinney after he, along with others, was allegedly found with 1lb and five ounces of marijuana on the Berry Islands on January 5 and 12.

Police alleged the accused, while being concerned with others, had intent to supply the drugs and also conspired to possess the drugs.

Bethel denied the allegations and the matter was adjourned to March 12 for trial. Bail was also granted at $2,500 with one surety.

Another man, Teco Adderley, 28, was charged with drug possession after police found him with 25 grams of marijuana on January 13.

The 28-year-old admitted the offence during yesterday’s hearing.

When asked if he had any prior convictions, Adderley told the magistrate that he did not.

In response, Magistrate McKinney fined him $400 and warned that failure to pay the fine would result in two months behind bars.

Joshua Newry, 23, and a 17-year-old also appeared before court charged with similar offences.

They were charged with two counts of possession of dangerous drugs after police found over 12 ounces marijuana at a home they were in on July 28.

The prosecutor told the court that around 6.40pm on the date in question, officers went to a home in the Gambier Village community to execute a search warrant.

Upon arrival, police met the two defendants and subsequently informed them of their search warrant. While searching the home, officers found drugs under a mattress in one of the bedrooms and also discovered a grey safe.

After questioning the defendants for the safe’s password, Newry then opened the safe where officers found more wrappings of suspected marijuana.

Both defendants were subsequently arrested and taken into police custody where they admitted to the offence.

During their second appearance in court yesterday, both defendants owned up to the charges.

In mitigation, their attorneys asked the court for leniency, noting their clients had no previous convictions and were remorseful for their actions.

They also asked the court to take into consideration that both Newry and the minor were still young and deserved a second chance.

However, Magistrate McKinney said he could not overlook the considerable amountr of drugs found.

He subsequently fined Newry $700 or three months in prison.

As for the minor, Magistrate McKinney placed him on 18 months’ probation and warned him that failure to comply with the conditions of his release would result in a $500 fine or three months in custody.