Ladyville Man Fined for Crack Cocaine Possession

A Ladyville man was fined for drug possession when he appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court yesterday. 39-year-old Shawn Cook, a resident of the Phillip Goldson Highway, appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Ludlow Black, where he pleaded guilty. Taking his early guilty plea and explanation into consideration, Magistrate Black issued a non-custodial sentence. The magistrate noted that while this was Cook’s second drug conviction, a fine was an appropriate punishment. Cook was ordered to pay a fine of $250 plus a $5 court fee by September 12. Failure to pay will result in three months’ imprisonment. Cook, however, had an outstanding court debt of $30 that he was ordered to pay immediately. On Sunday, August 10, police on patrol on Egbert Quilter Street noticed Cook acting suspiciously. A search of his person led to the discovery of 0.5 grams of crack cocaine in his back pocket.