Pubdate: Wed, 20 Oct 2004
Source: People's Tonight (Philippines)
Copyright: Journal Group 2004
Contact: http://www.journal.com.ph/contactus.asp
Website: http://www.journal.com.ph
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3454
Author: Lyn Lirio
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)

AUSSIE GETS 12 YEARS FOR MARIJUANA

A PASAY City Regional Trial Court judge yesterday sentenced an Australian 
to 12 years imprisonment for possession of marijuana.

Branch 116 Judge Eleuterio Guerrero also ordered Francis Freeman to pay a 
fine of P.3 million.

Court records show Demetrio Salvago, a frisker at the Final Check-in 
counter at the Departure Area of Manila Domestic Airport, claimed that 
authorities recovered almost 15 grams of dried marijuana leaves from 
Freeman on April 26.

During the trial, Freeman alleged he was using the marijuana leaves for his 
arthritis.

The foreigner failed to provide the court a doctor's prescription that he 
was allowed to use marijuana for his ailment.
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