Bridgetown.
Keith Allen pleaded guilty to smuggling $130,000 worth of marijuana into Barbados, in the District F Magistrates Court yesterday.
The 34 year LAIT pilot told the court that a man had offered him $5000 to transport the drugs from St Vincent to Barbados.
Allen, a Vincentian was arrested at the Grantley Adams International Airport on November 23 and charged with possession, intent to supply, trafficking and importing 65 pounds of cannabis.
Defence Attorney Sir Richard Cheltenham, QC, urged the court to impose a harsh punishment without oppressing him because he may yet emerge a good and useful citzen despite this lapse serious as it is.
Sir Richard recommended a find in the region of $200,000 to $250,000, payable in three to four months during which time Allen be remanded. He further recommended an alternative of two years in prison in default of payment.
After Sir Richard's mitigation, Magistrate Laurie-Ann Smith said; "I have to think about this.What I don't understand is how supposedly intelligent people would destroy their career for $5000, shame their father and mother for just $5000, I just don't understand it".
Allen's parents along with several family members flew to Barbados from St Vincent for the trial, two character witnesses Vincentian businessman and Methodist lay preacher Monty Maule and president of the Methodist Church South caribbean District were called.
Allen was remanded to HMP Dodds until December16..
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