A Uruguay national, who was found in possession of eight pounds of marijuana at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston earlier this month, pleaded not guilty and was remanded when she appeared in court yesterday.

The accused, 21-year-old Olandra Messam, will return to the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on July 17.

Messam told the court that she had not retained the services of a lawyer.

Allegations are that on the day in question, the woman arrived at the NMIA to board an outgoing flight to Curacao.

During regular security procedures she was stopped, interviewed and her luggage searched.

It is alleged that the drugs were found inside a false compartment in her suitcase.

She was subsequently taken into custody and charged with possession of, dealing in and taking steps to export ganja.