Kittitian caught with cocaine at airport

Tessan Damian Manners, a 33-year-old Electrician of St. Kitts/Nevis will have to spend the next nine months behind bars, after he pleaded guilty to having in his possession 678 grammes of cocaine with intent to supply.

The Serious Offenses Courts under the supervision of Chief Magistrate Simone Churaman heard that on 29 May 2005 at about 8:50 p.m., Police officer PC 549 Robinson was on duty at the ET Joshua airport, when he received information from Security Officer Nigel Simmons about Manners. {{more}}

Reports are that Manners had a brown plastic container with two taped packages inside. During a search of the items the 678 grammes of cocaine was discovered. The value of the substance is US$3000. When cautioned by the Police Officer at the ET Joshua airport, Manners said: “Is a man sent me out.” Also in his possession was EC $365.

Chief Magistrate, Simone Churaman prior to passing sentence on Manners, asked him why he came to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Manners, wiping tears from his cheek, said that somebody sent him to pick up the stuff. On completion of his job, he would be paid EC$3500. The drugs, he said, were to be taken back to Antigua where he has a family.

When asked by the Chief Magistrate why he was trafficking in illegal drugs, he said he was planning to use the money to go to Barbados to check on his Green card. But the information concerning the Green card proved to be false. According to one of the investigating Police Officers, Manners already has his Green card. The monies he said was to be used to pay for the hotel accommodation.

The Chief Magistrate told Manners that she is not au fait with the laws of St.Kitts/Nevis pertaining to cocaine, but told him in this country (SVG), drugs matters are taken seriously, especially cocaine, and that no one can ever fall short of a sentence.

She then imposed a sentence of nine months on Manners.