A man who attempted to export 3.97 kgs (8.75 lbs) of ganja was sentenced to six months' imprisonment at hard labour when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Vincent Thelwell pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in and taking steps to export ganja. It is alleged that Thelwell went to the Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, where he checked in for a flight destined for Panama.

His luggage was searched and a false compartment containing the ganja was found. He was arrested and charged.

He was fined $14,000 or six months for possession of ganja and admonished and discharged for dealing in ganja. He was also fined $42,000 or six months for taking steps to export ganja and sentenced to six months' imprisonment at hard labour. If fines are not paid, the sentences are to run concurrently.

After hearing his fate, Thelwell asked Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown for a chance, however, the RM said he could not grant it. "Your Honour, please! Can you give a chance, a chance, just a chance?" Thelwell begged.

"That's all the the chance I can give you," RM Brown responded.