Cameron David Rose, a 31-year-old American sales agent from California, was fined for importing 47 grams of cannabis through Philip Goldson International Airport for his arrival on Friday, May 23.[1] He arrived aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1334 from Los Angeles and was stopped around 6:45 p.m. after a vacuum-sealed plastic bag was found in his luggage.[1] At about 6:45 p.m., Customs Officer Dwight Wade found a suspicious package during a routine inspection and alerted Detective Constable Daymond Rhaburn of the Anti-Narcotics Unit.[2]
He was found in possession of 47 grams of cannabis concealed in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag inside his luggage.[2] Officer Rhaburn searched and located the transparent bag inside a brown leather handbag.[2] When questioned, Rose admitted the substance was marijuana.[2] He was arrested and taken before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on 26 May, facing a single charge of importation of a controlled drug.[2]
Unrepresented, Rose pleaded guilty and was fined $1,500 BZD plus $5 court costs, to be paid forthwith or serve three months’ imprisonment in default.[2] Initially unable to pay the fine, Rose was remanded to the Belize Central Prison.[2] He has since paid the fine in full and has been released.[2]
