British Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges, Fined $750,000 for Cocaine Seizure in Jamaica

Montego Bay, Jamaica – Glenn Mason, a 53-year-old British man, was sentenced to a total fine of $750,000 in the St James Parish Court today after pleading guilty to charges of possession of, dealing in, and attempting to export cocaine.

Mason, a resident of London, England, had been arrested at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on September 30, after security officials found one and a half pounds of cocaine hidden inside two pairs of slippers in his luggage. The drugs were discovered during a routine search of passengers heading to London.

Appearing before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, Mason appeared resigned as his attorney, Suwayne Phillips, made a case for leniency. Phillips noted that his client had been unemployed since 1996 due to a work-related accident and had recently lost his spouse, who had been helping him with legal fees. He also mentioned that Mason’s family members were currently unable to assist him financially.

However, in passing sentence, Judge Fairclough-Hylton emphasized the negative impact of Mason’s actions on Jamaica’s reputation. “Far too often, persons visit this beautiful country, and on their way out, they are held with cocaine. What that does is tarnish the name of this beautiful country,” said the judge, sending a clear message to would-be drug exporters.

Mason was ordered to pay a fine of $200,000 or serve three months in prison for possession of cocaine, $250,000 or three months for dealing in cocaine, and $300,000 or four months for attempting to export the drug.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. on September 30, when Mason was approached by a police team conducting surveillance of outgoing passengers at the airport. Suspicious of his luggage, the officers found the two heavy pairs of slippers, which upon further examination, were found to contain four parcels of white powder resembling cocaine. Mason was arrested and charged shortly thereafter.