Man accused of drug dealing pleads not guilty

Halim Scatliffe, a US Virgin Islands native who is accused of dealing in drugs, has pleaded not guilty to marijuana and cocaine-related charges in the Magistrate’s Court here in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Local police have charged him with possession of a controlled drug and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another.

They claimed that they recovered 1,177 grams of marijuana and 18 grams of cocaine at Scatliffe’s residence in Huntums Ghut, BVI.

The 33-year-old accused, who appeared before Magistrate Ayanna Baptiste DaBreo recently, will face trial on February 17 this year.

It is alleged that, on July 21 last year, police executed a search warrant at Scatliffe’s residence.

When asked if he had anything illegal at the location, the accused allegedly pointed to six dime bags in the living room and said: “This is my little weed.”

The police, during a search, allegedly found a plastic bag containing approximately 34 grams of marijuana.

While still in the living room, they reportedly discovered cocaine under a retractable sofa. The court heard that, when cautioned about the substance, Scatliffe stated: “I was holding it for somebody. It’s a partner’s.”

Police, in the meantime, also found marijuana in a bottle containing liquid.

“That’s weed soaking in rum,” Scatliffe reportedly told the officers.

He was subsequently charged.

During a previous court appearance, Magistrate Tamia Richards ordered the accused to surrender his travel documents and report to the Road Town Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as a condition of a $70,000 bail offer.