Couva man fined $30,000 for drugs

Shane Rampersad,35, appeared before Senior Magistrate Cheryl Ann Antoine in the Couva Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charges of possession of 80 grammes of marijuana and 26 grammes of cocaine. He pleaded guilty to the charges laid by police constable Naipaul. Sgt Wayne Waithe told the court that on July 20, 2012 police executed a search warrant for arms and ammunition at Rampersad’s home at Perseverance Village, Couva. The court heard that no weapons were found however, police found in a room, two bags containing the drugs. Rampersad was arrested and taken to the Couva Police Station where he was charged.

At his first appearance in 2012, the accused man had entered a not guilty plea. Yesterday, however, he indicated to the magistrate that he wanted to change his plea to guilty. The charges were reread to the accused. The drugs were also produced before the court. The court also heard that Rampersad had two previous drug related convictions from 13 years ago.

In pleading for leniency, Rampersad told the magistrate he was trying to stay out of trouble and focus on his work as a landscaper to help his family.

The magistrate was not impressed and indicated that she believed Rampersad was involved in “drug pushing”. On the charge of possession of marijuana Rampersad was fined $12,000 in default three years imprisonment. On the charge of possession of cocaine he was fined $18,000 or in default will serve three years imprisonment.

Rampersad was given seven days to pay the fines.