A drug dealer's appeal against his conviction for having $1.2 million in marijuana with intent to supply did not end the way he had hoped.
Not only did Melvin Maycock Sr. lose his appeal, but he now faces the prospect of serving an additional two years if he doesn't pay a $250,000 fine. Maycock was sentenced to three years in prison on November 1, 2011.
Officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit raided an apartment at Marina Drive and Bougainvillea Avenue on May 17, 2008. The apartment, which was leased to Danella Nixon, was unoccupied when the officers swooped in. Inside, the officers found evidence that the residence was being used as an 'operation house' for the packaging and supplying of marijuana.
They found 1,203 pounds of marijuana, some of which was vacuum packed in Frito Lay bags, with the remainder in open sacks. A Bible engraved with Maycock's name, a guarantee for a Rolex watch in his name, a beige-colored bag containing three 9mm pistols and numerous rounds of ammunition and three food saver machines were also in the apartment.
Maycock's right index fingerprint was lifted from one of the food saver machines.
In an unsworn statement during his trial on Tuesday, Maycock denied that he was in possession or had control of the contraband found on the premises. He said that he resided in Duncan Town, Ragged Island from January 21, 2008 until June 14, 2008. During an interview with police investigators, Maycock denied knowing Nixon or ever being present at the apartment.
The appeals panel of the Court of Appeal President Anita Allen and Justices of Appeal Christopher Blackman and Stanley John, determined that the trial magistrate, Deputy Chief Magistrate Carolita Bethell, was entitled to "draw the inference that the appellant was involved in the nefarious activities being carried on in the apartment".
On the issue of sentencing, the court said the three-year sentence was appropriate in light of the two years Maycock spent in custody awaiting trial. However, the court varied the sentence by adding a $250,000 fine because of "the huge quantity of Indian hemp and the corresponding significant street value of the drugs". Maycock will have to serve two years imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
Nixon, who is also on trial for the drugs seizure, was present outside the court. Her trial continues on May 17.

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