Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A Trelawny woman who allegedly tried to smuggle over five pounds of ganja through the Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay, was offered bail when she appeared in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court Friday.

Janet Vincent-Davis, a domestic helper of Clark's Town, is charged for possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export five pounds and 14 ounces of ganja. She was offered bail in the sum of $300,000, with two sureties, and had her case set for mention on November 27.

The allegations are that on October 7, approximately 7:30 p.m., Vincent-Davis was preparing to board a Caribbean Airlines flight destined for Barbados, at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. The investigating officer, who was on duty at the time, subjected her to a routine search. During the search, two rectangular packages were found in lining of her suitcase.

The packages were opened and found to contain vegetable matter resembling ganja. Under caution, Vincent-Davis said she had borrowed the suitcase, and she was subsequently arrested and charged.

In making a bail application for Vincent-Davis, attorney-at-law Adrian Dayes, told Resident Magistrate Carolyn Tie that the defendant had no knowledge of the ganja.

"She (Vincent-Davis) was looking for work, and she was given an opportunity for work in Barbados," said Dayes. "She was asked to take the suitcase, not knowing about the ganja contained therein. She maintains her innocence regarding knowledge of the ganja."

The court was also told that the forensic certificate would be ready within eight weeks.

"Her fingerprints will be taken, and I will offer her bail, $300,000 with one or two sureties," said RM Tie. "Her travel documents will be surrendered, and she will report at the Clark's Town Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m."