Two Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Drug Possession

At the Nicosia Criminal Court, Nathaniel Samson was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, while Kelvin Emeke received a 2-year sentence. The ruling was read by Chief Judge Füsun Cemaller, with Senior Judge Vedia Berkut Barkın and Judge Tutku Candaş on the bench.

On August 13, 2024, around 03:30 AM, a vehicle with the plate number LH 576 was stopped by the Crime Prevention Unit in Bedrettin Demirel Street, Nicosia. During the search, Kelvin Emeke, a passenger in the vehicle, fled on foot. A search of the vehicle revealed 30 grams of cannabis in 28 separate packages hidden under the front seat, and driver Nathaniel Samson was arrested. Samson stated that he had bought the drugs from Emeke. Following this, Emeke was tracked down to his home in Gönyeli, arrested, and found with 1 gram of cannabis, a scale, and a grinder.

Further investigation revealed that Samson had been living in the country illegally since October 16, 2023, while Emeke had a student permit.

The court emphasized the increasing prevalence of drug-related crimes, which cause concern in society. It was noted that in addition to the 30 grams of drugs, Emeke also faced charges for drug possession, distribution, and trafficking involving 64 grams.

The court considered the intent to possess and distribute drugs as aggravating factors when determining the sentences. Additionally, the nine months Samson had spent in custody before sentencing was taken into account in his favor.

Both defendants were sentenced to prison: Nathaniel Samson to 1.5 years and Kelvin Emeke to 2 years.