Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A British national who ingested 100 packages of cocaine was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Lee Wood, 34, from Kent, England, pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export two and a half pounds (1.1 kilograms) of cocaine.

Allegations say on March 15, Wood attempted to board an England-bound flight at the Sangster International Airport. He was approached by the investigating officer and interviewed. During security checks, it was discovered he had ingested cocaine.

Wood was taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital, where he reportedly expelled 100 packages of cocaine. He was subsequently charged.

In court, Wood told Resident Magistrate Sandria Wong-Small that he tried to smuggle the contraband because he owed a debt stemming from past drug usage.

"I've been a drug addict for 20-odd years, and I owed money to a lot of people," confessed Wood. "So, I came here to take back the drugs to repay the money."

"We are continually fighting (drug trafficking) and it's costing us a lot to do it, and there are penalties for those who are involved," RM Wong-Small told Wood.

"You found yourself in a particular predicament, but it does not change the fact that you broke the law," the magistrate added.

In addition to the 12-month prison sentence, Wood was fined $200,000 or six months for possession and $250,000 or six months on the attempted export charge. He was admonished and discharged for dealing.

The terms of imprisonment will run consecutively if the fines are not paid.