Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TheTurksandCaicosIands, October 9, 2023 – Supported by his mother in the court room on Tuesday September 26th 2023, before the Hon Presiding Chief Magistrate (CM) Mr. Jolyon Hatmin, a Dominican Turks Islander pleaded guilty to two counts of illegally importing“High Grade American Kush Weed” through CairSeaServices, an freight forwarding company

The defendant who was represented by Latisha Williams-Bruce experienced some confusion and accidentally told the CM that he would like his case to be tried by jury in the Supreme Court but when corrected by his attorney he said “no (I meant the) Magistrate’s Court.”

The CM, who explained the difference between the two courts, asked him at least twice, ‘do you want your case tried in the Magistrate’s Court or the Supreme Court?’

The accused, 24 year old, ABIMAEL MARTIÑEZ TAVARES continued to say Magistrate’s Court.

The matter stems from the discovery of the smuggled drugs and an eventual arrest from earlier this year.

On Monday April 24th, 2023 it was discovered that he had hidden and concealed the drugs under a differentdescription inside Nestle Nido cans. Nido is powdered milk produced by the Nestle company.

Currently, Tavares is on $7,000.00 bail pending sentencing.

His sentencing is fixed for October 5th, 2023 at 11am.

Principal Public Prosecutor in the matter is Clement Joseph, who appeared for the Office of the DPP via video link.