American Hotel Guest Charged with Drug Trafficking in Barbados

A housekeeper’s vigilance led to the arrest and charging of an American hotel guest last month, after she came across a white powdery substance in his bathroom.

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Carter Clifton Murphey, 36, of No. 338 Indiangrass Loop, Montrose, Colorado, United States, appeared before Magistrate Bernadeth John in the District “C” Magistrates’ Court on May 20, on charges of possession of 1.80 grammes of cocaine, intent to supply and trafficking the substance, which had a $90 street value. He pleaded guilty to all three offences.

Murphey was fined $1 000 payable within 24 hours for trafficking, with the alternative of a month in prison. The money was paid. He was convicted, reprimanded and discharged on the other two counts.

Prosecutor Sergeant Reginald Blackman informed the court that Murphy arrived in Barbados on May 17 for a five-day stay at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort. He requested a change of linen in his room the next day and a housekeeper arrived to carry out the task.

However, when she noticed a white powdered substance in a Ziploc bag inside the bathroom, she informed her supervisor, who then contacted security.

By the time they arrived, the guest was also returning. He rushed inside the room, grabbed the Ziploc bag and threw it over the balcony. A security officer retrieved it and police were called.

Murphey initially denied knowing anything about the drugs, but later pleaded guilty before the court.

(SD)