Christopher Thomas, STAR Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A British woman, who pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle over three pounds (1.36 kilograms) of ganja out of Jamaica, was given a suspended sentence when she appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Thirty-seven-year-old Chantal Ramsay, a security officer of a London address, pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export three pounds and 12.19 ounces (1.7 kilograms) of ganja. She was sentenced to 60 days in prison, suspended for 12 months.

The facts are that, on October 4, 2014, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Ramsay was at the Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay, preparing to board a flight destined for London, when she was subjected to a routine search.

Her suitcase was examined and a package wrapped in black plastic was discovered. The package was cut open, and vegetable matter resembling ganja was found. Ramsay was subsequently arrested and charged.

In court on Wednesday, Ramsay's attorney Ernie Smith asked presiding magistrate Carolyn Tie to be lenient in sentencing his client.

"The accused woman has thrown herself at the mercy of the court. she is asking your honour to be kind enough to forgive her of her transgression of our Jamaican laws, and not send her to prison; that you will find some other appropriate sanction," said attorney Smith.

In addition to the suspended sentence, RM Tie ordered Ramsay to pay a fine of J$6,100 or spend 30 days in jail on the charge of possession of ganja, and $30,500 or 30 days for attempting to export ganja. Ramsay was admonished and discharged.