Eli Burton fined EC$10,000 in St Kitts cannabis case
Eli M. Burton of Dominica pleaded guilty in Basseterre to importing cannabis and possessing it with intent to supply after a 25 August 2025 search of a vessel at Bird Rock. On 6 October 2025 he was fined EC$5,000 on each count, EC$10,000 total, with 12 months’ imprisonment in default.
🇰🇳 Basseterre Magistrate Court, Basseterre, St Kitts · Saint Kitts and Nevis
On 25 August 2025, the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) of the Royal St Christopher and
Nevis Police Force responded to a suspected cannabis-importation report at the
Deep-Water Port at Bird Rock, St Kitts; the vessel had originated from Dominica.[1][2]A search of the vessel found packaged plant material believed to be
cannabis, which was later confirmed as cannabis.[1][2]Police detained Eli M.
Burton, a crew member from Dominica, with the suspected contraband.[1][2]On 26
August, the force charged Burton with cannabis importation and possession of
cannabis with intent to supply.[1][3]The St Kitts and Nevis Customs and Excise
Department added charges on 27 August over importing cannabis packaged to
deceive customs officials and attempting to fraudulently evade customs
concerning restricted goods.[1][2]
On 6 October 2025, Magistrate Yasmine Clarke handed down Burton’s sentences at
Basseterre Magistrate Court.[4]Burton pleaded guilty to cannabis importation
and possession with intent to supply and was fined EC$5,000 on each count,
EC$10,000 in all, payable immediately, with 12 months’ imprisonment in default.[5][6]Burton was convicted and cautioned on both additional customs offences.[4][6]
Police said Burton, a national of Dominica, was found in possession of cannabis at the Deep Water Port in Bird Rock, Basseterre, on 25 August 2025.[6]
Case data
Every number and detail the sources state, with the sources that state it.
Police, coast guard and customs officers searched the cargo vessel C-Elizabeth II after it docked at St Kitts on 10 August 2026 and found 12.515 pounds of cannabis and one kilogram of cocaine. The captain and six crew members were taken into custody.
Nubian Greaux of Shadwell Housing was charged with possession and cultivation of cannabis with intent to supply after police searched his home on 26 March 2026. Officers seized 271 cannabis plants and several packages of cannabis, and he was taken into custody and charged at Basseterre Police Station.
Charlestown Magistrate Court convicted Kemar Francis and Zalima Herbert on cannabis charges in January 2014, fining them $2,000 and $1,500 respectively. Police seizures in the two unrelated cases totalled 141.3 grams of cannabis.
A juvenile was convicted of possession of cannabis with intent to supply at Basseterre Magistrate's Court for an offence committed on 12 April 2012. The court imposed six months' probation with one surety, with a curfew and an order to find gainful employment.
