Man sentenced to 10 months in prison

Johnny J on Wednesday was sentenced to 10 months in prison for possession of 6,600 marijuana plants. The defendant who had marijuana plants and seeds on his property when the police showed up was also given a fine of SRD 1,500. If he does not pay the fine, he will have to spend one month in the state penitentiary. The judge pointed out that the police conducted an investigation in the defendant’s house on July 2 after having received information that two women were being held against their will. The hostage takers were said to be armed. The back door and a window of the house were open when the police showed up. The police officers went into the house and found 2 hunting rifles and ammunition which were confiscated. The judge made it clear that the police officers were authorized to enter the house because two missing women needed help urgently. She also pointed out that the police returned to the same house on July 9 after having received information that narcotics were being cultivated on the property. Once again the police found and seized 2 hunting rifles and ammo. The officers also confiscated a passport photograph. But the judge pointed out that the police were not authorized to enter the house the second time. The owner was not present and therefore could not give the officers permission to enter. The judge made it clear that the police needed a court order to enter the house or that they had to put their actions in a police report within 24 hours. None of the two things happened which is why the judge explained that the hunting rifles were unlawfully seized on July 9. On the way back to the station the police officers met the defendant and recognized him from the photo. The defendant was arrested and brought to his house. He then led the police to the marijuana plants and seeds. Defense Attorney Harold Belfor claimed that somebody else cultivated the plants. The judge made it clear that Johnny J is responsible because he had given somebody else permission to cultivate the plants on his property.