Drug dealing ring dismantled in Sandy Ground: prison sentences handed down
On Friday, January 23, the Saint Martin Court tried four defendants involved in the Sandy Ground drug dealing operation in summary proceedings. Three of them, A.B., A.E., and F.L., were prosecuted for the acquisition, possession, transportation, unauthorized transfer, and illegal use of narcotics. The fourth defendant, P.J., appeared in court for complicity in the possession and transportation of narcotics, money laundering, and destruction of property related to a crime.
Last July, the investigation unit opened an investigation into drug trafficking in Saint Martin, french side. The investigation quickly identified the intersection of Lady Fish Street in Sandy Ground as an active drug dealing spot. Surveillance was then put in place, both physical and using drones, leading to the identification of three individuals. Based on this evidence, law enforcement carried out several arrests between December 4 and 8.
The searches led to the seizure of large quantities of drugs and cash. At A.E.'s home, investigators discovered $22,178, €7,156, more than two kilograms of cannabis, nearly five kilograms of resin, 650 grams of cocaine, as well as MDMA, ecstasy, a banknote counter, and a Category B weapon. At F.L.'s home, $968, €1,370, 540 grams of cannabis, and 65 grams of cocaine were found. Finally, at the home of A.B., which he shares with his wife P.J., police seized $3,045, €1,229, 120 grams of cannabis, and 4.5 grams of resin. It was during this search that his wife, a schoolteacher, under orders from her partner, placed her cell phone in a microwave oven in order to destroy its contents.
“Exemplary sentences”
For the prosecutor, the facts are clear. After referring to several tragedies linked to drug trafficking, she requested sentences of up to eight years' imprisonment, pointing out that “the people of Saint-Martin will no longer accept people coming to sell death on their territory.” The defense attorneys denounced the excessive sentences, arguing that the prosecution was seeking to make an example of this case. P.J.'s attorney, for her part, pleaded the psychological influence suffered by her client and requested her acquittal on the charges of transportation.
After deliberation, the court found the three men guilty of all the charges. A.B. and F.L. were sentenced to six years in prison, a €10,000 fine, a ten-year ban from French territory, and a five-year ban on carrying weapons. A.E. was sentenced to seven years in prison, a €30,000 fine, a ten-year ban from French territory, and a ten-year ban on carrying weapons. P.J. was sentenced to 30 months in prison, 15 of which were suspended, a ban on working with minors, and a fine. The four defendants were remanded in custody.
BY CYRILE POCREAU
