By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Court Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN and a pair of men were fined yesterday on two separate drug charges.

Delva Gray, 39, represented by Attorney Quentin Percentie, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of possession of dangerous drugs and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

On July 30 in New Providence, Gray was arrested by police for being found with six grams of Indian Hemp in her residence. The defendant was further found with 2lbs and 5/8 oz of Indian Hemp with an estimated street value of $2,000. For this she was charged with possession with intent to supply.

Gray pleaded guilty to both charges.

As part of Attorney Percentie’s plea of mitigation he stated his client was remorseful for her actions.

In addition to mentioning that Ms Gray was a mother and a woman of good character up to this point, Mr Percentie said her early plea of guilt saved the court’s time. He added he was of the view that a fine would be a fitting punishment as it would spare Gray a custodial sentence for the offence.

The Magistrate then sentenced the defendant to pay a $200 fine for the six grams of Indian Hemp or risk one month at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS). For the 2lbs and 5/8oz of marijuana Gray is expected to pay a fine of $1,500 or face six months in custody at BDCS.

Magistrate McKinney also informed the accused she must pay $1,000 of her fine before her release with the remainder to be paid off by September.

The two men, Miguel Mackey, 32, and McKenzie Cela, 29, appeared before Magistrate McKinney on a shared charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

On July 28 the defendants were reportedly arrested after being found with 8 oz of Indian Hemp.

In court Mackey pleaded guilty to the offence while Cela pleaded not guilty.

However Prosecutor Inspector Timothy Bain indicated that Cela had an antecedent with the court from 2018.

As such Magistrate McKinney imposed a fine of $500 or three months in prison for Mackey and a fine of $800 or four months for Cela.