Judge furious at American who tried to traffic drug through airport

Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague last Friday stressed that a message needed to be sent to persons who are attempting to engage in drug trafficking.

Cole-Montague, while sentencing an American to a combined $650,000 fine or 18 months' imprisonment, said that drug addiction has far-reaching effects on persons.

"There are some persons who lose their lives because of addiction to cocaine. They are so addicted they will do anything to get the next fix - anything, including hurting others or themselves. It is a well-known fact that drug dealers are often the most ruthless of offenders, who will interact with the criminal justice system because there is so much at stake - the dollar, the mighty dollar, is at stake," the judge said.

American citizen Natasha Webb was before the court for sentencing having pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and attempting to export cocaine. The 33- year-old Webb was caught at the Norman Manley International Airport attempting to board a JetBlue flight destined for New York with almost eight pounds of the drug was found strapped to her body. Two parcels were found in her brassiere, under her breasts, wrapped in clear plastic tape and brown masking tape. Another parcel was taken from her groin and buttocks area.

Her lawyer, Chadwick Berry, pleaded with Cole-Montague to give her a 50 per cent discount on her sentence as she pleaded guilty on the first occasion, so as to not waste the court's time.

"She has accepted responsibility for her actions and we seek lenience from the court as it relates to the sentencing given by this honourable court. Miss Webb has lived her entire life without any run-ins with the law [and] she has no convictions against her name," he said.

Berry told the court that Webb lost her job in the USA in August 2020, due to the crippling effects of the novel coronavirus on the global economy. He said that she was responsible for taking care of elderly persons with disabilities, as well as younger persons with mental health issues. He told the court that Webb acted out of "desperation" and that her action "does not reflect her true nature, being that she is one who cares for others".

Webb, a diabetic, has spent a month and a half in jail. She takes insulin four times a day.

Meanwhile, the judge said that she finds it disheartening that a foreigner tried to traffic drugs through the island.

"Many of us have a vested interest in this country, we want to see our country rid of drugs. A strong message must be sent because when you engage in the trafficking of drugs, you are hurting the prospects of other persons in this country. So, you traffic and then you go about your very business, leaving whatever damage behind," Cole-Montague said.

For possession of cocaine, Webb was fined $150,000 or serve six months' imprisonment and for attempting to export cocaine, she was fined $500,000 or serve 12 months' imprisonment. Judge Cole-Montague admonished and discharged her for the charges of conspiracy and dealing in cocaine as the prosecution offered no evidence.