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A public officer was hauled to court in his uniform today after he was caught up in a weed arrest.  Employee of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Errol Sebastian, was allegedly along with 7 others who were found at a San Pedro residence where the cops collected 89 grams - about 3 ounces - of weed.

They are 41 year old Victor Lara, 40 year old American national Breea Stanke, 34 year old Alex Salazar, 42 year old Sebastian Young, 25 year old Marcus Nunez, 30 year old Joslyn Daniels, 28 year old Hilberto Hoare, and 30 year old Camille Bodden.

They were brought to Belize City where they appeared today before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford where they were charged for drug trafficking.

Police say they found the weed at Lara's residence in San Pedro Town. 

At today’s press briefing, the press asked the police spokespersons to discuss the case, and here are the details that they shared with us:

Supt. Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB Belize City
"I know that police had conducted an operation there, somewhere in the bay side area of San Pedro. They conducted a house search, which was occupied by - I believe - 10 persons. And as a result, about 89 grams of cannabis was found inside of a room. I believe that out of the 10 persons, 9 were arrested and charged for drug trafficking."

Reporter
"Was there any establishment of possible ownership of the area, or the exact part of the house where the marijuana was found?"

Supt. Alejandro Cowo
"I believe that what I know is that it was found in a room where all the persons that were arrested and charged."

Reporter
"So, it’s communal."

Supt Alejandro Cowo
"Yes."

All 9 defendants were arraigned today before Chief Magistrate Sharon Frazer pleaded not guilty to the drug trafficking charge. They were granted bail of $2,000 each, which they were able to meet. They must return to for the next adjournment of the case, which is scheduled for October 21st.