The issue of trafficking of cannabis and other drugs into the VI is not one that can be considered new in the courts of the Virgin Islands. One of the largest marijuana busts can be dated back to 2012 when a group of men were brought before the courts after they were busted by Special Investigations Unit and the Marine Branch with some 560kg of marijuana and 6kg of cocaine. Photo: VINO/File

The trafficking of illegal drugs from the US Virgin Islands (USVI) into the Virgin Islands is a growing concern for Senior Magistrate Ms Tamia N. Richards who reminded it is an act punishable by law and the guilty must be dealt with accordingly. Photo: VINO/File

This concern came to the fore when Ms Richards heard such a case in the Magistrate’s Court at John’s Hole, Road Town Tortola on Friday June 19, 2015.

It was the case of Thomas D. Mannix, who Ms Richards slapped with a $5,000 fine for bringing into the Virgin Islands two dime bags of marijuana. Ms Richards blasted the USVI resident for pre-meditatedly transporting the drug into the VI.

According to Ms Richards, it’s a growing concern as for the past two months there were at least three similar cases brought before the court, with at least two others brought before Magistrate Ayana Baptiste-DaBreo.

The issue of trafficking of cannabis and other drugs into the VI is not one that can be considered new in the courts of the Virgin Islands. One of the largest marijuana busts can be dated back to 2012 when a group of men were brought before the courts after they were busted by Special Investigations Unit and the Marine Branch with some 560kg of marijuana and 6kg of cocaine.

Marijuana grown locally

The importation of cannabis into the territory by non-residents and residents alike is said to be of no match to the growing of the plant locally. In a recent release by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) public relations unit, three residents of Virgin Gorda were slapped with marijuana-related charges. The men are Tariq Fergus, Damien Farrell, and Richard Creque.

In relation to 20-year-old Tariq Fergus of the Valley, the RVIPF stated that he is charged with cultivation of marijuana, as well as unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested and charged on June 11, but has been granted bail in the sum of $10,000.

‘Make the thing legal!’

The dialogue surrounding the use, prevalence, legitimacy and reasoning on the growth and use of the drug has for years spurred extensive discussions in all sections of society.

It has and continues to be expressed by persons locally that its time the VI takes a stand in supporting the legalisation of the growth and use of the herb. “This is something that is grown as a vegetation just like the vegetables we eat every day. Jah put it on this earth so why we criminalising people for using or having it,” stated Rondell Skelton, a local resident.

The man, like many others, said the use the drugs has not been proven to have a negative effect on one’s health unlike cocaine. “Legalise the thing, let’s get some public discussions on this thing. The greater portion of persons in this BVI use this. I would bet we even got some ministers of government using it, big businessmen and women using it and what, nothing wrong. Using cocaine is what should be the matter,” added Skelton.

“They only fulling the prison with them man making them criminals for what? Little weed? When they come they turn real criminals and it’s just a waste of taxpayers money man, stop fulling Balsam Ghut with man for weed. Them men growing it right up there and all,” Skelton further alleged.