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by pltm
(PLTM) - During a search of a home and farmland in Carrot Bay, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force confiscated over 220 marijuana plants, in addition to marijuana seedlings, belonging to Alson Quashie, 56.
Quashie, a national of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who resides in Carrot Bay, pleaded guilty to the offences of cultivation of cannabis and possession of cannabis.
He pleaded not guilty to the offence of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.
Quashie pleaded to the offences in an appearance yesterday, June 12, at the Magistrate’s Court, before Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards.
According to the particulars of the matter, disclosed by the crown, on June 9, officers conducted a search on the home of the accused, stemming from a report received against him.
During the search, a white plastic bag was found in the bathroom area, said to contain vegetable matter, identified to be marijuana.
Following this find, Quashie allegedly confessed to the officers that it was indeed marijuana. He was subsequently cautioned and arrested.
As the search continued through his home, officers also found marijuana on his bed and two green branches behind his refrigerator.
When questioned as to the source, Quashie told the officers that he planted them himself on his farm.
He then led police a mile and a half into the mountains of Carrot Bay, until they arrived at his farm, where they found a total of 220 plants growing out of black pots.
The court heard that the accused was questioned whether he had plants elsewhere, to which he replied no.
However, in further searching the farm, officers found a hut, which also contained marijuana and marijuana seedlings.
In an audio interview, Quashie allegedly told police that he has been planting marijuana for close to ten years.
He added that he sometimes gives away some and sells some, but noted that the drug is mostly for his personal use.
He was remanded to prison and will make another appearance on July 14.
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