A resident of England was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment at hard labour after she pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in and taking steps to exporting marijuana in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

The accused, Angela Robinson, was also charged with conspiracy, but that charge was later withdrawn. Robinson was charged jointly with Christopher Campbell. Campbell, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

cocoa-butter formula

The court was told that both accused persons were seen pulling a suitcase at the airport. They were destined for England. They were stopped and searched and ganja weighing 2.8kg (5lb) was found concealed in bottles of cocoa-butter formula and packets of wholewheat crackers. It is alleged that when cautioned, Campbell told the police that someone named 'TC' gave him the jars. Robinson, however, later told the police that Campbell had no knowledge that the contraband was in the bag.

Robinson was sentenced to $8,000 or 30 days for possession, admonished and discharged for dealing and $24,000 or six months for taking steps to export the drug. The mandatory nine-month sentence was also passed. The conspiracy charge was withdrawn after the prosecution said there was no evidence to proceed with that charge. If she fails to pay the fines, the sentences will run consecutive to the nine months.