A St Mary fisherman, who attempted to export over 12 pounds of ganja to Suriname in food items, was remanded for sentencing on July 21 in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Forty-four-year-old Dennis Narine of Robins Bay was arrested and charged for breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act after the 12 pounds 11 ounces of ganja were found in packages of oats, mayonnaise, meat seasoning, chocolate milk, and animal crackers inside Narine’s suitcase at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston on June 3.

On Thursday when the father of one appeared in court, he pleaded guilty to possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, and taking steps to export ganja. He was also charged with conspiracy to export, but pleaded not guilty to that charge.

Attorney Davion Vassell then begged Parish Judge Simone Maddix to have mercy on his client.

Vassell told the court that the offence was his client’s first “brush” with the law and that he had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, and had accepted responsibility for his actions.

The judge then postponed the sentencing and gave instructions for Narine’s record to be submitted to the court.

— Tanesha Mundle