Matter involving Claxton, Christopher, Williams and Todman adjourned; drugs tested
BVI News Staff - Thursday, June 14th, 2012 at 7:49 AM
Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens was informed in court on June 12 that the drug at the centre of the case involving Mustafa Claxton, Jose Miguel Christopher, Shaun Williams, and Chaim Todman, has been tested.
The four men were arrested on April 15 and all pleaded not guilty to the charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, unlawful importation of a firearm and ammunition, conspiracy to import, importation and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to supply. An additional charge of illegal entry was levied against Claxton, Christopher, and Williams.
In court on Tuesday, Senior Crown Counsel Chrystlyn Benjamin told the court that the forensic in the matter has been sent off and should be back by the end of the month, and requested a reporting date.
Meanwhile, Defence Attorney Herbert McKenzie made an application for both of his clients Todman and Claxton; both were approved by Magistrate Stephens. In the case of Todman it was agreed that the defendant would be granted his passport for a 24-hour period; Claxton was granted permission to report to the West End police Station as opposed to Road Town.
The matter was adjourned to July 25.
During a previous appearance it was reported that the four men were observed by police disembarking a power boat moored at Shepherds Marina, Frenchman Cay. All four males were collected by Chaim Todman. A short distance away police carried a stop and search of the vehicle. The four passengers were identified by police as being the occupants of the boat.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a Glock 40 handgun containing 14 rounds of ammunition and three packages containing a total 260 grams of marijuana. Christopher was found in possession of 10 grams of marijuana.
The court heard that the firearm was recovered on the floor of the vehicle and that the estimated street value of the cannabis is $2,600.
Senior Crown Counsel Christlyn Benjamin objected to the defendant’s being granted bail and told the Court that the charges are serious and that considering the prevalence of the offense a message should be sent.
It was also stated that something is known against the defendant Todman who it was noted is on $70,000 bail for another offense. He was once again granted bail in the sum of $70,000 for these new offenses; it was noted that he needed a new surety. The magistrate also ordered that the defendant report daily to the Road Town Police Station.
The other men were offered bail in the sum of $60,000. They were ordered to surrender the passport and report to the Road Town Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
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