Woman gets bail for cocaine in coffee bags

WESTERN BUREAU:

A female British national, arrested after being held with approximately four pounds of cocaine hidden in coffee bags, was offered bail in the St James Parish Court on Monday.

Bethany Lewin, from Birmingham, England, is charged with possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export cocaine. She had previously appeared in court on June 3, but had her case put off at the request of her attorney, Henry McCurdy, as she was said to be ill.

travel documents

In court, Judge Sandria Wong-Small offered J$2 million bail to Lewin with three sureties. She was also instructed to report three times weekly to the Lionel Town Police Station in Clarendon, and to surrender her travel documents. The matter was set for mention on August 11, at which time the prosecution's case file is expected to be completed.

Allegations are that, on May 29, Lewin was at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, preparing to board a flight destined for Birmingham, England.

She was subjected to a routine search, during which a number of brown, knitted bags, labelled 'Blue Mountain Jamaica Blend', were found inside her suitcase. When opened, the bags were seen to contain a white powdery substance resembling cocaine.

Under caution, Lewin reportedly said, "No, the man said it was coffee." She was subsequently arrested and charged.