A 47-year-old man was remanded to HMP Dodds after pleading not guilty to, among other things, handling cannabis valued at almost $100 000.
David O’Neal Willoughby of Fairy Valley, Christ Church appeared before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on Wednesday. He was remanded until September 29, 2021, when he is scheduled to reappear at District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 1.
He was charged with trespassing on the compound of the Bridgetown Port on August 24 between 8:45 p.m. and 9 p.m., as well as going equipped, handling cannabis, possession, trafficking and intent to supply cannabis.
Police say Port security officers were on duty when they observed on surveillance cameras, three males traversing the inner confines of the compound in an area known as Reefer’s Park, located behind BICO Limited. These men were acting suspiciously and a mobile patrol was dispatched to investigate.
On their arrival, two of the men were seen running from the direction of the docking area towards the ramps at the rear of BICO Limited. The security officers pursued the men who managed to escape. A third man, later identified as Willoughby, was discovered hiding in the area of the carpenter’s workshop.
He allegedly had a grey haversack, which was searched and found to contain a number of items suspected to have been used in the commission of the offences. A further search of the area where he was discovered revealed several bags containing sealed packages. He was taken into custody by the security personnel along with the bags and contents.
Willoughby was later handed over to Police who also responded to the report. Investigations were conducted into the matter and the sealed packages were examined in his presence. They were discovered to contain vegetable matter suspected to be cannabis with a weight of 12.30kg (12 300g), with an estimated street value of $98 400. (PR/SAT)
