Lenient judgment?

The Anti-Narcotics Bureau has expressed its disappointment that Percy Samson of Cascade will only have to serve a term of eight years and six months after pleading guilty and being convicted on charges of the conspiracy to commit the offence of the trafficking in a controlled drug and the trafficking of a controlled drug.

To note Samson’s participation in the case could have earned him a sentence ranging from eight years to 50 – but the final verdict states that his sentences will run concurrently, which is why he will only be in prison for 8 years and six months. The time he has spent in custody will also be shaved off his sentence.

This is in sharp contrast to the heavy handed approach that was evident in the Colin and Gina Forte case – both were handed 30 year sentences, which were recently overturned by the Court of Appeals.

To recall, Samson was arrested on July 31, after the ANB had seized 180 kg of herbal cannabis – what it calls its biggest seizure for 2020, on board a yacht. At the time Samson was not on board but he was deemed the proprietor.

Six other men connected to this case who were also charged before the Supreme Court on August 28 and are still in remand at Montagne Posee prison where they have been since ANB officers arrested them in July.

The ANB set up a joint marine operation with other agencies, which resulted in the bust and the men being apprehended on board the yacht in Seychelles’ waters. Samson was later arrested at Petit Paris.