An Air Jamaica employee and a British national who are accused of drug trafficking were granted bail when they appeared in court last Thursday.

Twenty-four-year-old customer- service agent Cathy-Ann Small and Paulette Garrick, 34, were charged last week by the Narcotics police in connection with the seizure of 18 kilograms (40lb) of ganja which was reportedly found in a suitcase at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

When they appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court, it was said that Garrick was charged as her name tag was allegedly seen on the suitcase.

It was also said that Small told investigators that she placed the name tag on the suitcase because she thought the luggage belonged to Garrick who was the last passenger to check in for the flight which was destined to London.

Lawyers representing the accused are strongly denying their clients' knowledge of the contraband.

Small was offered bail in the sum of $500,000 while Garrick was offered $100,000 bail. They are booked to return to court on June 8.