Bjorn Burke, Staff Reporter
A man accused of attempting to smuggle a quantity of cocaine into the island was sentenced when he appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Charged with possession of, dealing in, taking steps to export and conspiracy to export cocaine is Upert Clarke, who pleaded guilty to the offences.
half pound
It is alleged that Clarke disembarked an inbound flight when officials at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston accosted and searched him.
Later, Clarke reportedly expelled a half-pound of cocaine at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). It is believed the accused ingested the pellets in an attempt to smuggle them into the island undetected.
"Any reason why you shouldn't go to prison for it?" asked Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey.
Seemingly unaware that his guilty pleas would fast-track him to sentencing, the accused replied: "I'm wondering if I can get bail before my next court date to make some arrangements for my son,"
RM Pusey then told the man that his request is unwarranted.
Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey ordered Clarke to pay a fine of $200,000 or serve six months for possession of cocaine; pay $15,000 or serve six months for dealing in cocaine; pay $300,000 or serve six months for taking steps to export cocaine; and ordered to serve 18 months in prison to run concurrently and consecutively. A fingerprint order was also made.
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