A woman accused of attempting to leave the island with ganja, begged for mercy in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court, yesterday.

Althea Graham pleaded guilty to possession, dealing in and taking steps to export ganja.

The court was told that Graham was on her way to Barbados, when her bags were searched and a false compartment discovered in one of them. Ganja weighing 1.8kg (4lb), was found inside the false compartment.

Graham told the court that she had a friend in Barbados and was going to visit that friend. The 43-year-old told the court that she did not have a steady job but did some selling and hairdressing.

She begged for the court's mercy, telling Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown, "Please your honour. I'm asking you please forgive me, sir. It's not like what I did was right, but I am sorry and I learned my lesson. I will never do it again. I promise."

Graham was sentenced to $6,000 or six months for possession, admonished and discharged for dealing and $30,000 or six months for attempting to export the drug. She was also ordered to serve 30 days in jail.