EIGHTEEN-year-old shopkeeper, Recola Smith of 118 One Mile Wismar, Linden was yesterday ordered by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore to complete three months of community service, and pay a fine of $5,000. This was after changing her plea to guilty of the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Last Saturday, in the Mazaruni River area, Smith had in her possession four grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking .
She made her first appearance, unrepresented, pleading not guilty to the charge; was placed on $35,000 bail; and expected to return on December 7 at Court Two.
On her second appearance yesterday, when she was represented by Attorney-at–Law Peter Hugh, she changed her plea to guilty.
In his submission, the lawyer stated that his client was a first-time offender, and since it was a small amount, he was asking the magistrate for a reasonable sentencing.