By Belize Live News Staff: A 27-year-old fisherman, Jim Ramirez, avoided jail time on Friday but now faces a fine of $505 after being charged with possession of a crack pipe while in detention at the Queen Street Police Station. Ramirez pleaded guilty to the charge, admitting to struggling with addiction for some time.
Ramirez, who appeared without legal representation in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, faced a charge for possessing utensils used for smoking a controlled substance. According to police reports, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, he was found with a silver metal pipe adapted for smoking cocaine in his possession.
Although this is Ramirez’s third drug-related offense, he pleaded with the court for a fine instead of jail time. The Magistrate, warning him that any future conviction could lead to imprisonment, accepted his plea. Ramirez was ordered to pay the $505 fine by October 31, 2024. If he fails to make the payment, he will face a six-month jail sentence. The court also ordered that the confiscated crack pipe be destroyed.
During the hearing, Ramirez acknowledged his ongoing battle with drug addiction, admitting that he tried to hide the pipe in the holding cell but was caught by authorities.
