Magistrate Ayanna O. Baptiste-DaBreo had some words of advice for Horse path resident Devonte H. Furlonge, who was placed before the court on drug related charges. Photo: VINO/File

“The fast life isn’t the best life. The choices you make can affect your children, so be careful of the choices you make,” she said.

“You have a bright future ahead of you. Keep yourself out of trouble,” the magistrate further stated.

Some 488 grams of cannabis was found by members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in a vehicle belonging to Furlonge on July 9, 2019.

Prosecutors said members of the RVIPF received intelligence of a jeep conducting suspicious activities in the vicinity of Horse Path.

The vehicle in question was found close to a bin in a parked position and was taken to the Road Town Police Station.

When the offender later identified the vehicle as his, a thorough search was conducted and the drugs were reportedly found by the K9 dogs in the trunk.

He was then arrested and charged with possession of a controlled drug and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply to another.

$5000 or 6 months in jail

After admitting to the offences during his previous appearance before the court, the magistrate imposed the fine, which must be paid by December 30, 2019.

If he does not pay the fine, he could face up to six months at Her Majesty’s Prison.

Furlonge was also given January 16, 2020, as a reporting date to ascertain the status on his payment of the aforesaid fine.

In addition to the fine, Furlonge was given a three-month sentence, suspended for a year.