Woman caught with ganja seeds at airport

A Corporate Area woman, who pleaded guilty to being a part of an elaborate scheme to traffic ganja seeds to another Caribbean island, said she was promised money to fix her home which was damaged by Hurricane Beryl.

The accused, Shanna-Kay Smith, said that she was promised payment of US$18,000 (approximately J$2.8 million) to assist in the reconstruction. Prosecutors contend that Smith went to the Norman Manley International Airport on July 31, to board a Caribbean Airlines flight to an eastern Caribbean island. A powder bottle was found inside her luggage and when it was shaken and searched, ganja seeds were found.

"[Name redacted] say him ago gi me US$18,000 to carry the seeds because my roof fly off inna the hurricane. Him say people carry it and nuh get ketch. [Name redacted] meet me a Black River bus park wid the seed dem and him gimme US$300 fi buy weh me wah," Smith said when cautioned.

Smith pleaded guilty to possession of ganja, taking steps to export ganja and conspiracy to export ganja. The Crown decided to offer no evidence on the count of dealing in ganja, following Smith's not-guilty plea on that charge. Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks requested Smith's antecedents and a social enquiry report be provided at the next court date to assist with sentencing.

Smith was made the subject of a fingerprint order and is to return to court on November 7, when she is to be sentenced.

- T.T.