Horrible discrepancy in sentencing for cocaine as against marijuana

May 20, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
I am apt to believe that something is definitely wrong with the sentencing policy of the Judiciary as it relates to persons who are accused of narcotics offences. In my opinion, a junkie caught with one (1) gram of cocaine and a smoking utensil should not be given the same sentence as someone who is caught trying to export cocaine through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport or otherwise be caught with a large amount of cocaine. Yet I see this mode of sentencing prevalent in our judicial system. Over the years the following persons were charged with trafficking or possession of narcotics, mainly cocaine. A highlight is given below in accordance to the quantity and sentencing they each received:
1. The captain of the MV Danielson was charged with possession of five thousand (5000) kilograms of cocaine on the vessel, he was sentenced to five (5) years in prison.
2. Mr. Rameraz who was charged with the Low Lands Air Drop in which a little over one hundred (100) kilograms of cocaine was recovered and was sentenced to five (5) years in prison.
3. Mr. Bridgelall who was charged with one hundred (100) kilograms of cocaine in fish glue was sentenced to five (5) years in prison.
4. Ms. Allison St Hill was charged with one (1) kilogram of cocaine, she was sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison. After an appeal, she was given a reduced sentence of twelve (12) years.
5. Mr. Steve Kevett was charged with three (3) kilograms of cocaine in six (6) cricket bats, he was sentenced to eighteen (18) years in prison. He was given three (3) years for each bat.
6. Ms. Lavaughn Beason was charged with two (2) kilograms of cocaine and was sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison.
7. Mr. Barry Dataram was charged with over one hundred (100) kilograms of cocaine and was sentenced to five (5) years in prison.
8. Mr. Richard Evans was charged with fifty (50) grams of cocaine, which is less than half of a kilogram, he was sentenced to five (5) years in prison.
9. Ms. Alana Ali was caught trying to export over one (1) thousand grams of cocaine at the Cheddie Jagan International Airport and was sentenced to three (3) years in prison.
10. Mr. Wayne Gilkes was caught with thirty (30) grams of cocaine and was sentenced to three (3) years in prison.
Mr. Editor, does this not strike you as unusual? It is clearly my view that the Judiciary should revisit the drawing board to amend the flaws in the sentencing structure. I humbly state that this is my view as a concerned citizen and I hope that my letter would be seen as food for thought.
Sam Facey

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News