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US citizen found with cocaine placed on $20,000 bail

-Told police he was heading to dispose of the illegal substance he found
When intercepted by law enforcement officers, Gersham Browne allegedly said he was heading out to sea to dispose of the drugs he claimed he found in the vicinity of the West End ferry dock one day while walking his dog. Photo: VINO
Gersham Browne, 22, a US citizen who lives in West End, pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of cocaine and was placed on $20,000 bail. Photo: VINO
Gersham Browne, 22, a US citizen who lives in West End, pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of cocaine and was placed on $20,000 bail. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Gersham Browne, 23, a US citizen who lives in West End, pleaded guilty to the charge of possession of a controlled drug when he appeared before Magistrate Velon John at the Magistrate’s Court on Friday December 6, 2013.

The accused was caught by members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and Her Majesty’s Customs officers on December 4, 2013 as he was still in VI waters reportedly appearing to be heading to St. Thomas (USVI).

At the time of the interception, Browne was the lone occupant of a dingy in which police found three blocks of cocaine with a street value of approximately $60,000. According to the prosecution, Browne told police officers he was heading out to sea to dispose of the drugs he claimed he found in the vicinity of the West End ferry dock one day while walking his dog.

“I didn’t know what it was at first but after I realize I could go to jail for it I decided I have to get rid of it. I found it near where the barge comes in, it looked like drugs and I come out here to throw it away,” he alleged told officers when intercepted.

Later, during an interview at the Road Town Police Station, he alleged told police he had found the substance in a duffel bag in the bushes near the West End ferry dock.

Bail request made by his lawyer Ms Stacy Abel was granted in the sum of $20,000 as the crown had no objections to the request. The defendant was, however, ordered to have all his travel documents remain in the possession of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and to report every Monday and Friday to the West End Police Station.

Gersham Browne, the court heard, has never had any previous brushes with the law or been caught engaged in any illegal acts. A social inquiry report was also ordered to be prepared and submitted to the court on or before February 11, 2014.

Sentencing is set for February 14, 2014.

16 Responses to “US citizen found with cocaine placed on $20,000 bail”

  • True (08/12/2013, 08:54) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    please surrender your travel documents, then jump in a dingy over to St Thomas and pick up a photo ID after saying yours is lost and off you go to the mainland never to be seen again, just pay your fine of $20,000.00 oh wait someone else will have signed the surety for that!
  • .... (08/12/2013, 10:26) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    US Citizen huh? Is that suppose to change some kinda perception??? Some of these guys never spent a day in the US other to when they were born. I don't know why nationality is always in the headline.
    • Curious (08/12/2013, 11:44) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      US Citizen? Where he go school? If my memory serves me right it certainly wasn't in STT!!
  • qc (08/12/2013, 10:59) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    let he go in exchnage for bob dem
  • UK student (08/12/2013, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope the usa does not come in a get he
  • JACK BE STILL (08/12/2013, 16:50) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    i say legalize the thing
  • BRADSHAW (08/12/2013, 18:43) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    WHAT WE DO IN LIFE ALWAYS FALLS ON OUR KIDS...
    DO GOOD AND GOOD WILL FOLLOW YOU...
  • AC 360 (08/12/2013, 22:53) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    how come you all aint saying DEPORT HE?
    • My My (09/12/2013, 07:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      DUPPY KNOW WHO TO FRIGHTEN
    • visitor (09/12/2013, 16:29) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      thas right, every thing is deport them, send them back to there country,
      W are all foreigeners, shiped here from Africa on the slave boat
  • awsome person (09/12/2013, 20:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    he find it he find it , he heading to st. thomas no from st. thomas
  • time longer than twine (09/12/2013, 21:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    time longer than twine them say!!! today for me tomorrow for you!!! All your bad sins coming back on you now first your brother now you who else will fall??? but wait ayo could ask to be cell mates. What a thing to tell the king!!!!!
  • pep (10/12/2013, 17:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    lok my boy browne in ting
  • BRADSHAW (12/12/2013, 08:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    LIKE FATHER LIKE SON....


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