“ Yuh boy is a smoker. Me ain’t buy it for sell, I does use it. I using coke and weed for years now cause I’m an addict, but I don’t trouble nobody ,” were the words of an ex-soldier who pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine and possession of marijuana.
Forty-seven-year-old Joseph George appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The first charge stated that on January 21, 2020 at School Street, Seven Miles, Mahdia, Essequibo Magisterial District, he had in his possession 4.3 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, he had in his possession two grams of marijuana.
George pleaded guilty with explanation to both charges.
In his explanation to the court he stated, “I have five sons to maintain, give me a chance. Two months ago I came out from prison after serving four years for robbery. I came out of prison and I deh working in the bush.”
George added that since his release from prison, he went in search of a job in order to provide for his children. “ I spend three years in prison for assaulting a man. If me ain’t get weed or cocaine I does can’t wuk . I does feel sick if me ain’t smoke. I use cocaine and weed all my years in the army and I was still able to serve and protect this country.”
However, facts presented by the court prosecutor stated that on the day in question, at around 18:15 hrs police acting on information went to School Street, Seven Miles, Mahdia where a party of policemen made contact with the defendant.
A search was then carried out on his possession and the marijuana was found in his pants pocket. A further search was then carried out and a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine was found in his pants crotch.
He was then arrested and taken into custody. While in custody he allegedly told the ranks that they should give him a chance because he has five children to maintain.
Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus remanded George to prison until January 24 when she will sentence him.
