TWO men convicted of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking 24 years ago were yesterday each sentenced to prison terms exceeding 20 years.
Sheldon Gajadhar was sentenced to 20 years and 312 days, while Michael Collins received 23 years and 263 days with hard labour, following sentencing proceedings before Justice Devan Rampersad.
The case dates back to December 7, 2002, when police conducted an operation based on information they received and found the drugs in a vehicle in which the two men were occupants.
The trial began on January 12.
According to the State’s case, police officers had positioned themselves in the vicinity of the Mausica traffic lights where they intercepted a Nissan pick-up being driven by one of the convicts. A search of the vehicle was carried out, during which officers discovered two feed-type bags in the cabin area of the pickup. Each bag contained 25 packages, with each package weighing approximately one kilogramme.
Police also searched the tray of the pickup and found several additional packages concealed beneath a green tarpaulin. The men were cautioned by the complainant officer and were subsequently taken to the Arouca Police Station.
At the station, the drugs seized during the operation were weighed and found to total 330 kilogrammes. The exhibit was later photographed by PC Dedier, and samples were taken and submitted to the Forensic Science Centre for analysis. Scientific testing confirmed that the substance seized was marijuana, classified under the law as a dangerous drug.
Evidence before the court indicated that, at the time of the offence in 2002, the marijuana had an estimated street value of approximately $4.5 million.
In delivering sentence, Justice Rampersad took into account the quantity of drugs involved, the seriousness of the offence, and the need for deterrence in drug trafficking matters.
