The Supreme Court No. 5 witnessed the commencement of a significant drug trafficking trial on Wednesday, where Venice Keith McKenzie Stephen of Sealy Land, Government Hill, faces serious charges related to narcotics importation. A jury composition of seven women and two men, supplemented by three alternates, was sworn in to hear evidence in this high-profile case spanning events from July 2020.
Stephen formally entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, which include possession, trafficking, and importation of 15.5 kilograms of cannabis. The prosecution, led by Senior State Counsel Kevin Forde, immediately established the legal framework of the case, citing Section 6.1 of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act that prohibits possession of controlled substances.
In his compelling opening statement, Forde articulated the prosecution’s two-pronged theory of possession, explaining: “The law recognizes both physical and mental elements of possession. Physical possession requires proof that the substance was either in the defendant’s direct custody or under his control. When an individual orders controlled drugs and directs shipment to his address, he effectively assumes possession upon delivery.”
The prosecution’s narrative alleges that Stephen orchestrated the importation of narcotics into Barbados and took possession upon receipt. Forde promised jurors that the state would present compelling evidence demonstrating Stephen’s active role in receiving the controlled substances.
According to the presented timeline, the case unfolded when a customs officer stationed at EHS Freightline Limited encountered Stephen at the facility. The defendant presented identification and provided his personal details before being shown a barrel consigned to him, though labeled under the name ‘Williams Phillips’ with a Canadian return address.
Critical developments occurred when Stephen consented to open the barrel under customs supervision. The subsequent search revealed 40 separate packages containing cannabis, prompting immediate police involvement. Stephen was arrested at the scene and formally charged following investigation.
The trial is scheduled to resume on Thursday before Justice Pamela Beckles, with the prosecution expected to call nine witnesses to substantiate their case. Defense counsel Sade Harris represents the accused throughout the proceedings.