A British translator who swallowed more than 795 grams (1.75lb) cocaine was sentenced to 12 months in prison at hard labour when he appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's on Wednesday.

In addition to the mandatory 12-month sentence for attempting to export the drug, 32-year-old Jamie Cox was fined $150,000, or three months, for possession and $300,000, or three months, for dealing, after he pleaded guilty to the charges. A removal order will also be enforced as soon as he serves his sentence.

His attorney, Adrian Dayes, told the court that Cox acted for need and not greed as he had incurred debts amounting to £5,000 (British pounds) and was trying to pay off his debt.

arrested twice

The court was, however, informed that he had been to Jamaica many times and was arrested twice in Europe for drug trafficking. However, he denied the arrests.

The court heard that on May 16 Cox checked in to board a Thomas Cooke flight from the Sangster International Airport to London, England. He was interviewed at the security check point and, based on information given, he was taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he excreted 70 pellets of cocaine weighing 795 grams (1.75lb).

SOURCE