A teenager who allegedly stole her passport from home in an attempt to smuggle cocaine out of Jamaica, was remanded in custody when she appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

She is 17-year-old Hillary Mitchell of Green Pond in St James.

Allegations are that Mitchell was booked on an Air Jamaica flight to Fort Lauderdale when she was stopped at the security checkpoint.

Her black suitcase was reportedly searched in her presence and a rectangular package of cocaine weighing approximately a quarter of a pound was found in her slipper.

She was later arrested and charged for possession of, dealing in and attempting to export the drug.

When she appeared before the court Thursday, her lawyer’s application for bail was denied on grounds that she had eluded her parents and could therefore not be trusted.

Presiding judge, Paulette Williams, told the court that Mitchell needed to be taught a lesson but said she would reconsider granting bail when the teenager returns to court on November 9.