’20 Year Sentence Should Send A Strong Message’
The sentence of 20 years imprisonment should “send a strong deterrent message to those engaged in the importation of drugs and firearms,” Assistant Commissioner of Police David Mirfield said after drug smuggler Victor Roberts was sentenced yesterday [June 21].
Mr Roberts, 47, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being caught red-handed with approximately $10 million of drugs and 200 bullets.
Last year Mr Roberts [pictured] traveled to New Jersey and purchased an industrial compressor, and arranged for the drugs to be hidden in a false bottom in the compressor. The compressor was then placed in a container to be shipped to Bermuda.
The authorities intercepted the drugs and replaced them with “dummy packages,” and then placed Mr Roberts under surveillance. Mr Roberts — a father of five — picked up the shipment, went home, and while he was in the act of cutting the drugs out of the false bottom the police swooping in and arresting him at his Warwick residence.
The police said they seized 114 kilos of cannabis [251lbs], 1.5 kilos of heroin [3.3lbs], 1 kilo of cocaine [2.2lbs], 50 grams of hash, and four boxes of live ammunition [200 rounds]. At the time of the seizure two men were arrested, with Mr Roberts the only person to date to face charges.
Mr Roberts apologized for his actions in Court saying, “ This won’t happen again. It was a very stupid, stupid move.”
Speaking after the sentencing Mr Mirfield said, “The Bermuda Police Service welcomes the Supreme Court’s sentencing of Victor Roberts, who admitted to importing a significant quantity of drugs and ammunition into Bermuda in 2011.
“The contraband was intercepted as a result of the ongoing partnership between law enforcement and partner agencies here and in the U.S. The sentence of 20 years imprisonment should send a strong deterrent message to those engaged in the importation of drugs and firearms.”
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Don’t quite understand why he got less time than the Latvian sailor that wasn’t even bringing his guns/drugs to distribute in Bermuda.
I think it’s because of the amounts – Latvian $48million. Bermudian $10million.
I think he had less drugs than the Latvian dude, I can’t remember. There’s two parts to this problem we have though, the suppliers/dealers and the users. If people stop buying illegal drugs, these guys would have no one to sell to. The consumer has the power.
Yes yes, I know there are plenty legal drugs that are bad for us also, but I’m talking about eliminating drug/gang-related crime.
If you have never had a family member or friend addicted to drugs you wouldn’t understand that what you just said isn’t living in reality. We need reality based thoughts(no offense) to deal with the drug problem. If you look at how long people have been using drugs then you would understand that this will never happen. It’s called addiction for a reason. The person can’t/won’t quit because you tell them too. I don’t know any addict that truly WANTS to be an addict, do you?
The Bermudian DEF should’ve got a bigger sentence. They need to take into consideration the intent. Mr. Latvia wouldn’t have even came here if his boat didn’t break down, or whatever happened…yet he’s here and WE are paying.
They should’ve shipped his butt to wherever he was going and made the example out of the Bermudian!
Latvian:
165kg [363lbs] of cocaine valued at $48 million — one of the largest drug seizures in Bermuda’s history — and a 9mm Beretta, 192 rounds of ammunition and two extended magazines.
Bermudian:
114 kilos of cannabis [251lbs], 1.5 kilos of heroin [3.3lbs], 1 kilo of cocaine [2.2lbs], 50 grams of hash, (total of $10million) and four boxes of live ammunition [200 rounds].
So, the Latvian had a gun too and considerably more ‘Class A’ narcotics but more importantly, I think, is that he plead ‘Not Guilty’ and went to trial. That tends to always attract a harsher sentence.
Of course, quite why anyone would get ‘credit’ for pleading guilty when the case is open and shut has always been beyond me.
Credit???? For doing the right thing after you have been caught doing something wrong! I don’t think so! Two big messages sent.
The Latvian was made an example of by the judge of the case who wanted to score brownie points for the biggest drug “importation?????” ever to Bermuda. In other words the foreigner got shafted so the judge, prosecution lawyer & arresting officers could get a pat on the back. That Latvian is going to be one highly vexed MOFO when he gets out & he’s gonna have a huge chip on his shoulder about Bermuda making him there poster boy. Wonder what someone from a war torn poverty stricken country would think about every day of their life imprisoned in a country full of spoiled rotten law enforcers? HMMMMM!
Finally the real face behind Bermuda’s drug epidemic. Interestingly enough, this may cause “unrelated” violence to flare up as a result.
Keeping race out of this, its reassuring to know that its not only the “sterotyped” individuals getting caught.
Finally the real face behind Bermuda’s drug epidemic?!?!?!? LMAO!!! So you really think all the drug addicts are cured & all the dealers have run dry now this guy is put away?
So you wanna buy a submarine with a screen door? I’ve got a lovely one for sale.
He should have been given LIFE. Lady H is no joke.
Send a strong message to who? Drug importation will never stop.
Sure it sent a strong message. It’s better to use a mule from start to finish like the other bigheads do.
I totally agree Geza……what about those that are “allowed” to import??????
The gang related drugs are coke an heroin. Anyone and everyone in Bermuda smokes and sometimes sells weed
The funny thing is prohibition has brought the price of weed up so high, who the f@ck cares about getting a job? Another win for the gummint.
who would of thought …..if thats what the main guy looks like in the GAME than the bermudian police are definetly looking in the wrong directionS 4 d hard core drugs CUZ THEY are coming from the miscellaneous over weight white guyS smh i feel sry for his fam 20 YEARS IS A STRETCH..a day in a cage is to much imo for any thing other then rape or murder…but hey thats the law anyway im going togo medicate ……legalize medical marijuana …..it grows from seed to flower and if u should just so happen to set it on fire there are some effects but thats not the same as drugs tylenol is perfectly legal but if you take 13 of them pills it will be your last head ache…..” (katt williams)
So smoke poison ivy! Another example of a brain dead dope smoking – legalize it individual. Grow up.
poison ivy does not cure cancer, help kids with autism, and numb away pain grow up………really……
only a small minded pebble on the rock would say that ……shoe fly dont bother me ……..dont knockit till u try it …….
+1
Seems you haven’t done your research tisk tisk, shame on you. Marijuana not dope does not kill brain cells. This has been proven through scientific studies. In fact, IT IS ALCOHOL THAT KILLS BRAIN CELLS. Perhaps you should find out the facts so you don’t look so stupid. A little saying that I think fitting here. Just because you say it, doesn;t make it true. If you are going to tell everyone that smokes marijuana to grow up then perhaps you need to also tell everyone that drinks alcohol to grow up as well. In fact, seems your efforts would be better exhausted going into one of the countless watering holes we have here in beautiful Bermuda and shout to everyone in the bar to grow up cause they shouldn’t be drinking. Marijuana prohibition is hypocritical and anyone who supports it should be fighting for alcohol to be illegal since that kills many people each year and marijuana does not.
One of the many who have more than likely been allowed to deal for quite a while. How much of his assets will be seized – I wait with interest to see?
HE HAS NO ASSESTS WHAT SO EVER, HIS BUSINESS WENT BELLY UP AND STILL OWES ON THAT. ALL OF HIS EQUIPMENT IS GONE, THAT IS WHY HE WAS RENTING…..NO ASSESTS, BORROWS CARS TO USE ETC….
HE WILL BE OUT IN 8YRS OR SO, HE HAS BEEN THERE ALMOST 1YR.
What is really wrong with this picture??hmmm,one man gets 25years for $48million worth of drugs and a firearm and rounds after taking it too trial,and another man gets 20years for$10 million worth of Drugs,and ammunition and plead guilty Bermuda,where is the”presedent”???smfh..