Man fined $55 for 14 grams of marijuana but must clear $10,000 outstanding court debt
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize City man busted with 14 grams of marijuana was fined $55 in court on Friday, but his bigger problem remains a $10,000 fine from a previous drug conviction. Arion Malcolm Soberanis, 27, appeared unrepresented before a Magistrate in Court #7, where he was charged with possession of controlled […] The post Man fined $55 for 14 grams of marijuana but must clear $10,000 outstanding court debt appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Black News 
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Belize City man busted with 14 grams of marijuana was fined $55 in court on Friday, but his bigger problem remains a $10,000 fine from a previous drug conviction.
Arion Malcolm Soberanis, 27, appeared unrepresented before a Magistrate in Court #7, where he was charged with possession of controlled drugs.
Police say that on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Soberanis was searched on Haulze Street, where he resides, and was found in possession of 14 grams of cannabis.
Soberanis pleaded guilty to the charge. In mitigation, he told the court that police had kept money they found on him. He also expressed remorse, saying he was only four grams over the legal amount and would ensure it does not happen again.
For his guilty plea, Magistrate Mohammed imposed a non-custodial sentence, fining Soberanis $50 plus $5 cost of court. He has until May 29, 2026, to pay, or in default, he will serve one week in prison.
However, the court also reminded Soberanis that he still owes $10,000 plus $5 cost of court for a previous conviction for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, which remains unpaid.
He was also required to pay an older outstanding balance of $30, stemming from a 2016 public drinking conviction, before leaving court.
The post Man fined $55 for 14 grams of marijuana but must clear $10,000 outstanding court debt appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
