Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

WESTERN BUREAU

A Canadian national held at the Sangster International Airport attempting to leave the island with approximately seven kilograms of ganja disguised as Christmas presents, was given a suspended sentence.

Twenty-two-year-old Chennelle Brown initially pleaded not guilty to possession, dealing and attempting to export ganja when she appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

However, on the advice of her attorney, Morrel Beckford, she changed her plea.

RM Wilson Smith said there was nothing in the defence's case that convinced him that Brown had no knowledge that she was in possession of contraband.

The paralegal student was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years. She was also ordered to pay $15,000 for possession and $120,000 for attempting to export to avoid a month in jail.

Beckford told the court that his client did not stand to gain financially, as she had no knowledge about the substance and therefore asked that she not be fined for the offence of dealing.

Facts are that on December 23, Brown checked in on an Air Canada flight to the Pearson Airport in Toronto, Canada. Her luggage was x-rayed and searched and the drug was found.

Seven packages of ganja weighing seven kilograms were subsequently found disguised in gift-wrap paper.