New year’s smoke could cost four months

A New Year’s gift will cost Louie Mercury four months of freedom, that is if he cannot come up with $1500 by January 19.

Mercury, 40, labourer of Redemption Sharpes was charged on December 31 for having 477 grams of cannabis in his possession with intent to supply.

The young lad appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to the charge.{{more}}

At about 3.20pm that day, members of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) went to investigate a family dispute at Sharpes. Recognizing the strong police presence, Mercury started running and went down an embankment. His flight was cut short by pursuing police officers. When searched, a black plastic bag with the drugs was found on him.

Mercury told the court that he was farming in the mountains at the time of the incident. “Your honour I was in de mountain farming and a guy tell me ah cud tek ah portion for the new years smoke,” explained Mercury.