Members of the Drug Squad arrested and formally charged Carmela Gerrie Pansa, 28 years, of No. 28 Rattemweg, Ramoelamweg, Paramaribo, Suriname for the following offences, which she committed on Tuesday 04 June 2019 whilst at the Grantley Adams International Airport.

• Unlawful possession of Cannabis
• Unlawful possession with intent to supply Cannabis
• Trafficking Cannabis
• Importation of Cannabis

During a search of her luggage which consisted of two suitcases. A total of fifty eight (58) yellow taped packages each containing a vegetable matter suspected to be cannabis a controlled drug were found, within these said two (2) suitcases. These packages and suitcases were seized by Customs and handed over to the Drug Squad along with the accused for investigations.

She was arrested and taken to Oistins Police Station, where investigations were conducted and she was subsequently charged. The estimated weight of the suspected cannabis is 39.6 Kilograms (87.12 lbs), with an estimated street value of one hundred and fifty-eight thousand four hundred ($158,400.00) Barbados Currency.

She appeared before Magistrate Smith-Bovell in the District B Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6th June 2019 where she pleaded guilty. She was fined $50,000.00 forthwith on the charge of trafficking or eighteen (18) months in prison. She was given a CRD on the other charges.

• Michael Blackman – St. Sgt.
  Public Relations Officer (Ag)