A couple caught attempting to smuggle more than 2.3 kilograms (5lb) of ganja out of the island in the handles of their suitcases was remanded in custody when they appeared before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Robert Cunningham of Paradise in Montego Bay, St James, pleaded guilty to possession of, dealing in and attempting to export ganja. His girlfriend, Cynthia Woolery of a Westmoreland address, pleaded not guilty.

Defence attorney, H. Charles Johnson, made a submission to the court that the charges against Woolery be withdrawn because she knew nothing about the drugs. He added that Cunningham had said he was responsible.

He was, however, told "not so fast", as the court was told that Woolery was before the court in January last year for similar charges that resulted from similar allegations. This revelation was made after Resident Magistrate Winsome Henry said Woolery looked familiar.

RM Henry adjourned the matter until January 12, as the investigating officer in the matter was absent. RM Henry said she would make no decision about withdrawing the matters, especially in light of Woolery's previous conviction.

Allegations are that the two boarded an Air Jamaica flight from Kingston with the intention of going to Curacao. The flight was in transit at the Sangster International Airport when five suitcases, three belonging to Cunningham and two belonging to Woolery, were X-rayed and irregularities observed. Ganja was subsequently found in the handles of each suitcase. Cunningham had 1.36 kilograms (3lb) while Woolery had 1.25 kilograms (2.75lb).