Posted: Wednesday, November 5, 2025. 6:04 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A family of four from Castle Street was taken to court on Tuesday afternoon after police reportedly found over 100 grams of marijuana on their property. But the case took a turn when the total amount was downgraded to 95 grams — just 30 grams above the legal threshold for what is considered possession — prompting one family member to take the rap.
Charged were Windell Robert Harris, 37, a warehouse attendant; Patrick Petillo, 30, unemployed; Chelsey Kiyanne Petillo, 28, a domestic worker; and Ann Andrews, 62, all of #1 Castle Street, Belize City.
The group appeared unrepresented before the Chief Magistrate when the prosecutor informed the court that, upon review, one of the four packages of marijuana weighed only seven grams — an amount within the decriminalized limit. That adjustment left 95 grams for the group to answer to.
The prosecutor indicated the Crown was prepared to accept a guilty plea for possession simplicita, and Harris quickly stepped forward, pleading guilty while the others maintained their innocence. Harris accepted full responsibility for the drugs, leading the court to withdraw the charges against the other three defendants.
The Chief Magistrate cautioned Harris, noting that with five prior drug convictions, he was fortunate not to be facing multiple counts or a mandatory three-year prison term with a $10,000 fine.
In the end, Harris was fined $505, payable by January 31, 2026, or face two months in default.
The bust occurred earlier that morning around 7:00 a.m. when police, assisted by K-9 unit dog Axel, searched the Castle Street property. Axel reportedly detected marijuana hidden in four areas of the yard — including a parcel buried near the gate and another concealed under white stones near the steps.
Police say the search targeted the home of Patrick Petillo, a known drug peddler in the area.
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The post Family of 4 dragged to court for over 3 ounces of weed but instead of trafficking charge one relative takes rap for possession appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, November 5, 2025. 6:04 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: A family of four from Castle Street was taken to court on Tuesday
The post Family of 4 dragged to court for over 3 ounces of weed but instead of trafficking charge one relative takes rap for possession appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.