Ganja smuggler to be sentenced month-end

WESTERN BUREAU:

A Trelawny man who reportedly attempted to smuggle over 31 pounds of ganja out of Jamaica last December had his sentencing deferred to November 23 in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court.

Anthony Richards, who is also a UK resident, had previously pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export 31 pounds and 8.4 ounces of ganja.

When the case was mentioned on Tuesday, Richards' attorney Martyn Thomas asked presiding magistrate Sandria Wong-Small to take the defendant's medical history into account when determining his sentence.

It was also disclosed that Thomas had not yet seen Richards' social-enquiry report, which had been previously requested by the court.

Wong-Small subsequently extended Richards' bail until November 23.

The allegations are that on December 26, 2014, about 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." He was subsequently arrested.