In a decisive move underscoring the nation’s drug enforcement stance, the Antiguan judicial system has handed down significant financial penalties to two individuals convicted on cannabis possession charges. The rulings were delivered on Wednesday at the All Saints Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel.
The first case involved Terrance Roberts, a 48-year-old resident of Federation Road. Roberts, who had previously entered a guilty plea, was found in possession of 267.8 grams of cannabis. The court imposed a substantial fine of $5,000 Eastern Caribbean Dollars, mandating full payment within a one-year period. Failure to comply with this financial penalty will result in a one-year custodial sentence at His Majesty’s Prison.
In a separate and concurrent hearing, 32-year-old Roshawn Elliott from Potters Village faced sentencing after similarly pleading guilty. Elliott’s charges stemmed from the possession of a larger quantity—1.1 pounds (approximately 499 grams) of cannabis. Reflecting the greater amount seized, the court levied a more severe fine of $15,000 EC Dollars, also payable within a twelve-month timeframe. Defaulting on this payment will lead to an eighteen-month incarceration period.
These consecutive sentencing procedures highlight the ongoing enforcement of cannabis legislation within Antigua and Barbuda, demonstrating the judiciary’s consistent application of penalties proportionate to the severity of the offense. The outcomes serve as a contemporary benchmark for drug-related convictions in the nation’s legal landscape.