Repeat Offender Sent to Prison Over Unpaid Fines After Cannabis Conviction

A 21-year-old Belize City construction worker has been convicted for possession of cannabis but finds himself in jail for unpaid fines.  Daveion Davon Dougal, a resident of the Rootsville area, appeared unrepresented before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to possessing 50 grams of cannabis. For the offense, the court imposed a fine of $500 plus $5 cost of court, payable by January 30, 2026. In default, he faces five months’ imprisonment.  However, court records revealed that Dougal had $805 in unpaid fines for prior convictions, including previous drug offenses and a 2025 theft case in which he was also ordered to pay $70 compensation to the complainant. Those fines should have been settled by March this year.  Dougal was given the opportunity to make a payment toward the outstanding amount to qualify for an extension, but he was unable to do so. As a result, a warrant was issued for him to serve four months in prison for the unpaid fines.  Dougal’s latest arrest occurred on Saturday, November 8, around 9:50 p.m. on Barbara Harris Street in the CET Site area. Police say officers approached him after observing him bursting dynamite in the street. A search conducted on his person led to the discovery of two plastic bags containing cannabis in his front pants pocket.  This marks Dougal’s third drug-related conviction, adding to a record that includes both theft and possession offenses. He was taken into custody to begin serving his prison term following the court’s ruling.