Jermaine Scott, the airport ramp worker who was allegedly found to have 2.5 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in his work raincoat, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment by the St James Parish Court on Friday.

Following his arrest in January 2023 at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Scott, 34, of Cornwall Court, St James, has been on trial for the offences of possessing, dealing in, and attempting to export cocaine.

In mitigation, Scott’s lawyer Henry McCurdy stated that his client has no previous convictions and cited the social enquiry report that portrayed his client positively, highlighting his good character and contribution to society.

The lawyer also mentioned that Scott is expecting his first child in October and requested the opportunity for him to be present at the birth, emphasising the importance of being present at such a significant moment in his life.

McCurdy pleaded for mercy from presiding judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley, requesting a substantial fine rather than jail time. He also said that his client belonged to a close-knit family and expressed concern that his imprisonment would devastate them.

In response to the attorney’s submission, Smith-Ashley stated that she carefully examined the social enquiry report and that, based on Scott’s employment record, he appears to be industrious. She also assessed the community’s perception that he is diligent and tends to remain indoors. His previous good character was also considered, but she stressed the importance of balancing these factors against the aggravating features of the case.

“I have listened to your attorney and his plea for mercy. I am always merciful, but I have to act upon what is before me,” the judge stated, noting that the defendant has benefited from his attorney’s submissions.

In addition to the mandatory nine-month imprisonment, Scott was ordered to pay a fine of $900,000 or three months’ imprisonment for possession of cocaine, and $300,000 or three months’ imprisonment for attempting to export cocaine. He was admonished and discharged for dealing in cocaine.

Scott was arrested at Sangster International Airport on January 29, 2023 by investigators assigned to the Narcotics Division after the cocaine was allegedly found in his possession during an operation by the Narcotics and the Customs Contraband Enforcement Team.

The cocaine reportedly had a street value of approximately US$125,000 ($19.2 million).

The allegations against Scott are that he was seen trying to retrieve a blue raincoat from behind a cubicle in a bathroom at the airport, which was found to contain four rectangular packages with cocaine. He was subsequently arrested and charged.