Penniston men sentenced on firearm and controlled drugs charges

Two men, both 32 years of Penniston, were sentenced in the Serious Offences Court (SOC) yesterday on charges relating to prohibited firearm and controlled drug.

The police said in a release that officers working at the Mustique Police Station responded to a distress call by a vessel that was stranded at sea and was later towed to the Mustique wharf by security personnel. The police made enquiries and conducted a search on the occupants and the vessel. The search resulted in the discovery of one 5.56 Zastava Serbia (AK47 pistol) along with 67 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, and 1632 grammes of cannabis.

As a result, Winston Enville Parsons, a 32 year old labourer was subsequently charged with having a prohibited firearm in his possession without the authorisation of the minister; possession of 67 rounds of 5.56 ammunition without a license issued under the firearms act; while Joel Barker, a 32 year old labourer, was charged with possession of 1632 grammes of cannabis with the intent to supply it to another, and possession of 1632 grammes of cannabis for the purpose of drug trafficking.

Both men appeared before the Serious Offences Court yesterday where they pleaded guilty to the charges.

Parsons was sentenced to 4 years 9 months in prison for possession of a prohibited firearm and 15 months in prison for possession of ammunition without a license. Both sentences would run concurrently.

Joel Barker was fined EC$1,530.00 for possession of a controlled drug to be paid by August 31, in default of which he will serve a five month prison term. He also was fined EC$1,800.00 for drug trafficking to be paid by August 31 or serve six month in prison if he defaults.