November sentening in ganja case

November sentencing in ganja case

Christopher Thomas

STARWriter

WESTERN BUREAU:

A Trelawny man who attempted to smuggle more than 31 pounds of ganja out of Jamaica last December will return to the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court for sentencing on November 10.

Anthony Richards, who is of addresses in Trelawny and the United Kingdom, pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export 31 pounds and 8.4 ounces of ganja when he appeared in court on Monday.

allegations

The allegations are that on December 26, 2014, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Richards was seen with a black suitcase at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. He was interviewed by an officer who was on counter-narcotics duty, and his suitcase was then searched.

During the search, a nylon bag was found inside the suitcase, and when it was opened eight rectangular-shaped packages with vegetable matter resembling ganja were found inside. Under caution, Richards reportedly said, "Officer, a try me a try something but it nuh work out," and he was subsequently arrested.

In court on Monday, Richards' attorney, Martyn Thomas, asked presiding magistrate Sandria Wong-Small to have a social-enquiry report prepared for the defendant to help in determining his sentence.

RM Wong-Small subsequently extended Richards' bail until November 10.