Magistrate expresses disappointment at man on drug-related charges being in remand since 2011
BVI News Correspondent - Thursday, March 7th, 2013 at 1:18 PM
Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards
Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards expressed displeasure at the fact that defendant Bellony Caena is still on remand awaiting trial for drug possession charges.
When the case was called on February 27 the Magistrate told Crown Counsel Leslie-Ann Faulkner that the matter should be given priority because the defendant has been in custody since November 2011 and according to Magistrate Richards: “That is a long, long time.”
She told the Crown: “The court is very concerned that Mr. Caena has been in custody for quite some time without trial.”
The matter which was scheduled for trial on that date had to be adjourned because Caena’s attorney Patrick Thompson, and Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham were before the High Court in another matter.
The Magistrate instructed that the matter be set for priority again. The case will be heard on March 15.
The men have been charged with importation of diacetylmorphine (heroin), unlawful procession of diacetylmorphine with intent to supply, conspiracy to import diacetylmorphine, conspiracy to import cocaine, unlawful importation of cocaine and unlawful possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
During a previous court appearance it was announced that tests had been conducted on the drugs in the matter.
They were arrested and charged by officers of the RVIPF on November 1 after a boat they were travelling in was intercepted by the new police boat, the Defender, and the Customs boat, the Searcher, off the west coast of Jost Van Dyke.
Approximately 20 kilograms of what is believed to be cocaine, 14 blocks and three bags containing pellets were recovered. An additional three blocks were recovered later.
The drug has an estimated value of $2.85M.
Copyright 2013 BVI News, Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
8 Comments
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How can the case go on when Ceana lawyer in the High Court? His lawyer have to be there.
a juice sista dat
Them quick to arrest, then fall asleep on the case. Then when it goes to the court loopsholes waste of court time.
The first lawsuit them get in them behind them will stop doing that to people
It isnt anything about lawsuit. The defendant lawyer in the high court. Who the lawsuit against? He own lawyer?
tHIS IS RIDICULOUS ON THE POLICE PART.
all you need to read and understand and see who is the hold up!
Stop blaming the police. They did their part as the ow before the Court. The matter is now before the Court. Read the article and understand. The defendant lawyer in High Court. If the Magistrate so concerned why didn’t she start without his lawyer then! Then you would of had problems. She cant do it and I don’t know why she stating her concerns to the Crown. A reprsentative from the Crown was there, if she want to start, she could have started.
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