St Vincent & Grenadines Police charges Terrica Patterson for possessing cocaine

St Vincent and the Grenadines: The Police authorities of the nation apprehended 21-year-old Terrica Patterson for two charges on Monday, 15th January, 2024. It is to be noted that the arrest of a suspect was conducted under the operation held by the officials.

As per the reports of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, the authorities from the Narcotics Unit, Special Services Unit (SSU) and Rapid Response Unit (RRU) held a joint operation in Layou and executed a search warrant at the premises of Terrica Patterson. This exercise was conducted by the police team on Sunday, 14 January 2024.

While conducting the search, the officers found a small darkish purse. On searching the purse, the officials found something which appeared to be cocaine wrapped in a transparent plastic bag.

Moreover, Terrica Patterson, who is not working, was cautioned by the authorities for the offence she had committed. Subsequently, she admitted to her crime and stated that it was cocaine which was found in her bag.

It is to be further added that the officials weighed the drugs found from Terrica Patterson, and on weighing, it amounted to 21gm. The suspect was taken to the Serious Offences Court in St Vincent and the Grenadines, where she was charged with two offences, which are:

• Possession of 21gm of cocaine with intent to supply it to another.
• Possession of 21gm of cocaine for the purpose of drug trafficking.

Terrica Patterson pleaded guilty to both charges. Along with that, she was asked to pay the fine of BBD $3,741.64 (EC $5,000) for the offence of drug trafficking. The last date given by the court to pay the fine is 15th April 2024, or she will be jailed for two years in prison.

Notably, the suspect was convicted, reprimanded and discharged and was also placed on a bond for one year. If she breaches the bond, then she will be fined BBD $1,496,66 (EC $2,000), or she’ll be jailed for 1 year.

Furthermore, the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has promised to keep conducting such operations in order to curb the increasing crime rate, ensuring the safety of the citizens of the country.