A British national who pleaded guilty to having 72 pounds (32.72 kilograms) of ganja in his possession was sentenced to three years in prison in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

He is Rene Derrienne who has been charged with possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, taking steps to export ganja and conspiracy.

It is reported that the accused was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport after his luggage was searched and the ganja found.

The accused who initially told the court that he only had 40 pounds (18.18 kilograms)of ganja in his possession, later pleaded guilty to the 72 pounds (32.72 kilograms).

"Your Honour, it was 40 pounds of ganja I had, the police then presented another bag to me and that was not my bag. I am only guilty of touching that other bag with the 32 pounds (14.54 kilograms) of ganja," the accused told the court.

Derrienne was sentenced to $15,000 or six months for the possession of ganja, $230,400 or six months, and $576,000 for taking steps to export ganja. In addition, he was sentenced to two years in prison to run concurrently and consecutively and 12 months to run consecutively for conspiracy.