Four Charged with Drug Trafficking After Police Discover Marijuana in Belize City Home

Four people, three relatives and a friend were all charged with drug trafficking in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court today. Twenty-four-year-old, Leon Anthony Lodge, his mother, 51-year-old Juliet Diane Richards, his deaf-mute sister, 31-year-old Shanice Brown, and his friend, 32-year-old chef Eldy Jane Taylor, were all charged with possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply to another. Police say they discovered 58.1 grams of marijuana in a barrel inside Lodge’s bedroom during a search of their home on Hemsley Street. Lodge immediately admitted the drugs were his, claiming they were for personal use and not for sale. In court, Lodge pleaded guilty with an explanation, stating that the marijuana was meant for him and his friends to smoke. He added that he stored a larger quantity to avoid frequent purchases. Lodge also emphasized that neither his mother nor his sister smoked and insisted they were unaware of the drugs. However, the magistrate presiding over the case expressed caution after explaining the potential penalties—a fine of up to $10,000 and a possible three-year prison term. The Magistrate gave Lodge the opportunity to reconsider his plea and seek legal counsel. Lodge refused representation and maintained his guilty plea. When proceedings resumed in the afternoon, the Magistrate entered a not-guilty plea on Lodge’s behalf for clarity, aligning it with the not-guilty pleas of his mother, sister, and Taylor. All four were granted bail of $2,000 each under the condition they appear for all court dates and avoid any similar charges while out on bail. Despite the bail offer, Lodge’s mother, sister, and friend were unable to secure their release by evening and were remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Lodge, however, managed to post bail and is now out. The next court date for all parties is set for January 9, 2024.