A 23-year-old woman, who was held while trying to bring 250 grams of cocaine into the island, was sentenced to six months in prison with an option for her stay to be lengthened if her fines are not paid.
Khanesha Chin pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine and taking steps to import cocaine when she appeared in court yesterday.
Chin was allegedly coming back from Panama and arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport. Her luggage was searched and two bottles containing about quarter pound (250 grams) of cocaine were found.
Her attorney told the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court when the matter was mentioned that the accused was travelling for the first time.
Two bottles
He said someone took her to Panama to shop and she was asked to carry two bottles into the island when she was returning. He asked Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown for leniency in the matter, indicating that she had a five-year-old child to care for.
After listening to both arguments, RM Brown fined Chin $50,000 or six months for possession of cocaine.
She was also fined $50,000 or six months for importing cocaine.
He also sentenced her to six months' imprisonment at hard labour and said if the fines were not paid she would serve 12 months.
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