4 years jail, $7.3M fine for Venezuelan busted with marijuana inside hotel

A Venezuelan national was on Tuesday sentenced to four years imprisonment and fined $7.3M by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after pleading guilty to the possession of 6.150 kilograms [13.5 lbs] of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Ganesh Das, 26, was charged jointly with brothers Ruel Boodhoo and Richie Boodhoo but as a result of his guilty plea, the charges were withdrawn against the Boodhoo brothers.

Das confessed that on March 9, 2019, at Noval Hotel, Cummings and Robb Street, he had the drugs in his possession.

“I am a Venezuelan and it is very hard back home so I decided to tek a chance with the cocaine to help provide for my family,” Das told the court before being sentenced.

Prosecutor for the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Konyo Sandiford told the court that on the day in question CANU ranks conducted a search at the Noval hotel and the illicit drugs were found in Das’ room.

Das was then arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters.

His lawyer Keoma Griffith asked the Chief Magistrate to consider the economic hardships in Venezuela and Das’ guilty plea prior to handing down her sentence.