Feb 18, 2010
Pregnant Woman Gets 3 Months For Attempting To Smuggle Ganja
A pregnant woman, Erica Gardener, who attempted to leave the island with 11 1/2 pounds of ganja hidden in her brassiere and waist, was sentenced to three months in prison, and fined J$15,000, after she pleaded guilty to drug charges in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court. If the fine is not paid, she will serve an additional six months in prison.
Gardener was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport on February 6, when she checked in to board a flight destined for Curacao. She was held after the police notice an unusual bulge in her waist. She was searched, and six small packages of ganja were found, while four other small packages were found inside her brasserie.
In addition to the mandatory three month sentence that was handed down, Gardener was fined $2500 or six months in prison – for possession of ganja, $5000 or six months in prison – for dealing in ganja, and $7500 or three months in prison – for attempting to export ganja. If the fines are not paid, the sentences will run concurrently, but consecutive to the mandatory sentence.
In court, Gardener’s lawyer pleaded with the judge to have mercy on his client, who he said was experiencing complications as a result of her pregnancy. The resident magistrate however had no sympathy, and Gardener sentenced.