MONTEGO BAY, St James — An American woman who stated in a police caution statement that she was offered US$2,500 to smuggle drugs into the United States was offered bail in the sum of $3 million in the St James Parish Court on Tuesday. The court has ruled that a third of the bail amount must be paid in cash.

Erena Washington, a New York resident, is charged with possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export cocaine.

Presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley granted the bail request after hearing arguments from Washington’s lawyer, Michael Hemmings.

The judge ruled that of the defendant’s $3-million bail offer, $1 million must be in cash. Other conditions include reporting to a specific police station daily and being subject to a curfew between the hours of 6:00 pm and 5:00 pm.

Washington was also asked to surrender her travel documents and a stop order will be placed at all ports.

Meanwhile, the prosecution is still awaiting the forensic certificate.

The matter is set for mention again on February 1, 2024.

Washington was arrested on December 4 while at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James.

Unusual bulges were reportedly detected in the lower section of her body during a routine security check. She was asked what was inside, but she did not respond.

During a search, four packages of cocaine weighing approximately five pounds, which were strapped to her thighs and calves, were removed from a pair of leggings she was wearing.

When cautioned by the police, Washington reportedly said, “I was in debt and was given a trip to come to Jamaica by a friend to have fun for a few days and pick up a few packages and take them back to the United States… I was to be paid US$2,500 when I get back to the United States.”

She was subsequently arrested and charged.